anainas

Anainas is a small, relatively obscure genus of marine gastropods that was first described in the early 2020s by malacologists studying the benthic communities of the Indo-Pacific region. The genus falls within the family Cerithiidae and is closely related to the genera Cerithium and Venericardia. Species of Anainas are distinguished by their slender, turreted shells, which typically range in length from 4 mm to 12 mm, and by a distinctive pattern of growth lines that are finer and more widely spaced than those of congeners. The aperture is narrow and the outer lip is moderately thick, features that are characteristic of many cerithiid gastropods.

The known species of Anainas have been recorded in shallow, sandy substrates at depths of 0 to 20 meters, predominantly around coral reef environments. Their geographic distribution is currently limited to the western Pacific, with confirmed occurrences in the waters off Indonesia, the Philippines, and northern Australia. Preliminary ecological studies suggest that Anainas species play a role as micro-epifaunal grazers, feeding on detritus and algal films that settle on the reef floor.

While the genus is not of significant economic importance, it contributes to the biodiversity and taxonomic complexity of the coastal ecosystems where it occurs. Continued research is needed to clarify its phylogenetic relationships within Cerithiidae and to assess potential responses to changing oceanographic conditions. Understanding the biology of Anainas can aid in the broader efforts to document and preserve the diversity of Caribbean and Indo-Pacific marine life.