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Vexillum kuiperi

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Vexillum kuiperi
Shell of Vexillum kuiperi (paratype at MNHN, Paris)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Caenogastropoda
Order: Neogastropoda
Family: Costellariidae
Genus: Vexillum
Species:
V. kuiperi
Binomial name
Vexillum kuiperi
Turner, 2006[1]

Vexillum kuiperi is a species of small sea snail, marine gastropod mollusk in the family Costellariidae, the ribbed miters.[2] This genus is not monophyletic, instead it contains 80% of costellariid diversity[3]

Description

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The length of the shell attains 7 mm. The color of the shell is typically a reddish orange and cream striped shell. The Vexillum species produces a complex venoms dominated by highly diverified short cysteine-rich peptides, vexitoxins, related to conotoxins.

Distribution

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This marine species occurs off Guam and New Caledonia. They are typically found in an aquatic environment, spcecifically in tropical and temperate seas.[3] These specimens are rare in Kwajalein. They are found under rocks or in caves at night. They are also found at seaward reefs at depths of 13-20cm. [4]

References

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  1. ^ Turner. 2006. Basteria Supplement: Suppl 3 Pages: 89–95. World Register of Marine Species, Retrieved 24 April 2010.
  2. ^ Vexillum kuiperi Turner, 2006. Retrieved through: World Register of Marine Species on 24 April 2010.
  3. ^ a b "Genus Vexillum". iNaturalist. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  4. ^ "Vexillum kuiperi Marshall Islands". www.underwaterkwaj.com. Retrieved 16 March 2024.