Turbinellidae

Turbinellidae is a family of large, predatory marine gastropod molluscs in the superfamily Buccinoidea. These snails are characterized by their thick, heavy shells, which are typically spindle-shaped and possess a prominent siphonal canal. The aperture is usually long and narrow, and the columella is often heavily plicate. The operculum is corneous and paucispiral.

The family contains several well-known genera, including Turbinella, Vasum, and Xancus. These species are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, inhabiting a range of marine environments from shallow coral reefs to deeper sandy bottoms. Turbinellidae are carnivorous, feeding on other molluscs, echinoderms, and sometimes fish. Their strong radula and robust shells aid them in subduing their prey.

Many species within Turbinellidae are of economic importance, either as a food source or for their shells, which are used in crafts and jewelry. Some species, like the chank shell (Xancus pyrum), have cultural significance in certain regions, particularly in South Asia, where they are used in religious ceremonies. Fossil records indicate that Turbinellidae have a long evolutionary history, with representatives found from the Cretaceous period onwards. The classification of Turbinellidae has been subject to revisions based on morphological and molecular data, with ongoing research refining our understanding of its phylogeny and species diversity.