Trochus

Trochus
Five views of a shell of Trochus maculatus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Vetigastropoda
Order: Trochida
Superfamily: Trochoidea
Family: Trochidae
Genus: Trochus
Linnaeus, 1758
Species

See text

Synonyms[1]
  • Camelotrochus B. A. Marshall, 1998
  • Infundibulops Pilsbry, 1889
  • Infundibulum (Lamprostoma) Swainson, 1840
  • Lamprostoma Swainson, 1840
  • Polydonta Schumacher, 1817
  • Praecia J. E. Gray, 1857 ·
  • Trochus (Camelotrochus) B. A. Marshall, 1998· alternate representation
  • Trochus (Infundibulops) Pilsbry, 1889 · alternate representation
  • Trochus (Polydonta) Schumacher, 1817
  • Trochus (Praecia) J. E. Gray, 1857 · alternate representation
  • Trochus (Trochus) Linnaeus, 1758 · alternate representation

Trochus is a genus of medium-to large-sized, top-shaped sea snails with an operculum, of the family Trochidae, the top snails.[1]

When the word "trochus" or "Trochus" is used in reference to fishing sea snails for commercial purposes, the usual species targeted is Tectus niloticus, which is valued for its nacre or mother of pearl layer, which was traditionally made into items such as pearl buttons and jewelry. Tectus niloticus is no longer classified as a Trochus species, and it is no longer classified in the family Trochidae; it is now placed in the family Tegulidae.

  1. ^ a b Bouchet, P.; Gofas, S. (2010). Trochus Linnaeus, 1758. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=138598 on 5 December 2012