Naticia

Naticia is a genus of predatory sea snails, commonly known as moon snails or moon shells, belonging to the family Naticidae. These marine gastropod mollusks are characterized by their smooth, globose shells, which are often prized by collectors for their pleasing shape and coloration. The shells typically feature a high spire and a wide aperture, with a horny operculum that seals the opening when the snail retracts inside.

Naticia species are found in marine environments worldwide, inhabiting sandy and muddy bottoms in shallow to moderately deep waters. They are active predators, using their radula, a ribbon-like structure with rows of teeth, to bore through the shells of other bivalves and gastropods. Some species also employ a mucus secretion to lubricate their drill site and assist in penetration. Their diet primarily consists of clams, mussels, and other smaller snails.

Reproduction in Naticia typically involves external fertilization, with females laying egg masses that are often encased in gelatinous collars or sand-encrusted structures to protect them. The larval stages are planktonic, drifting in the ocean currents before settling to the seafloor to mature. Naticia plays a role in marine ecosystems as both predators and prey, contributing to the balance of benthic communities. Their shells are also sometimes used by other organisms for shelter.