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Oxymeris maculata
Species of gastropod From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Oxymeris maculata, common name the marlinspike auger, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Terebridae, the auger snails. It can be found in tropical climates at depths from 0 to 210 meters.[2]
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Description
Oxymeris maculata is cream colored with dark, rectangular spots that span the spiral.[3] It is the largest Terebrid, with an average shell height of 16 centimeters[4] and reaching up to 27.4 centimeters.[5] This species feeds on smaller gastropods and echinoderms, including the Crown of Thorns sea star[6] and polychaete worms.[7] It is one of the many species within the Terebridae family to lose its venom ducts.[8]
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Distribution
Oxymeris maculata can be found in the tropical Indo-Pacific, such as off Aldabra, Chagos, Madagascar, the Mascarene Basin, Mauritius and Tanzania. This species can also be found in the Pacific Ocean off Mexico, Papua New Guinea,[9] and Hawaii. In Hawaii it can be found off the beaches in places such as Waimānalo, Kahe Point, and Honokōhau.[10]
Human Use
Oxymeris maculata is sometimes collected to eat the snail inside the shell.[11] It has also been used as a boring tool in South Pacific cultures.[12] It's common name, marlinspike, comes from its shape that is similar to the nautical tool used for splicing ropes.[13]
References
External links
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