Naticinae

Naticinae is a subfamily of predatory sea snails, commonly known as moon snails or necklace shells, belonging to the family Naticidae. These marine gastropod mollusks are characterized by their generally globular shells, which are often smooth and polished. The aperture of the shell is typically large and often covered by a thick, horny operculum when the snail is alive. Naticinae are found in marine environments worldwide, inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms in both shallow and deep waters.

These snails are active predators, using a specialized radula to bore holes into the shells of other mollusks, primarily bivalves. They secrete digestive enzymes to liquefy the prey's tissues before consuming them. The characteristic boreholes found on the shells of many bivalves are a direct result of naticine predation. Naticinae are also known for their burrowing behavior, often completely burying themselves in the substrate to avoid predators and ambush prey. Reproduction in Naticinae typically involves the laying of egg masses, which are often gelatinous and can be found attached to substrates or floating in the water. The appearance of the egg masses can vary between species.