Chank Shells of the Turbinellidae Family

One Chank Shell of the Turbinellidae Family can be found in this website:

West Indian Chank Shell, Turbinella angulata. A representative of the Turbinellidae Family of Chank Shells.

Phylogeny: Chank Shells of the Turbinellidae Family are gastropod mollusks in the Neogastropoda order.  Neogastropods are characterized by having a long siphonal canal, a well developed siphonal notch,  and a specialized radula. Many species in this order have a narrow aperture. Neogastropods are primarily marine snails. The Tubinellidae Family is one of six families in the superfamily Turbinelloidea, which also includes the Dove Shells, Vase Shells, and Volute Shells. There are no subfamilies in the Turbinellidae Family, but there are three genera – Cryptofusus with one species, Syrinx with one species, and Turbinella with eight species. Shells in this family are also commonly called Turbinellids.

Description: Chank Shells are medium to large in size, solid and heavy in construction, and fusiform (spindle-shaped). They have medium to high spires. These shells may be smooth or sculpted with axial ribs, spiral cords, knobs, and/or spines. Their apertures may be oval or slit-like. Their siphonal canals are pronounced and open. Their columellae may be smooth or sculpted with 1-5 folds. They have corneous opercula. They are covered with a thin periostracum. The largest shells in this family can exceed 1.0 m (3 feet 3 inches) in length.

Habitat and Distribution: Chank Shells are generally found on soft sediments, from the intertidal zone to depths exceeding 2,000 m (6,560 feet). They are found worldwide in subtropical to tropical seas. They are poorly represented in Mexican waters, with only one species present.

Natural History: Chank Shells are predatory carnivores that primarily prey on bivalves and polychaetes. Chank Shells are gonochoric and reproduce sexually with internal fertilization. The eggs are laid in protective capsules. Some species include “nurse eggs” in these capsules which are a food source for the developing juveniles. The name “chank” is derived from the word “shankha”, meaning “divine conch”, referring to the Indian species Turbinella pyrum. Hindus considered the rare left-handed form of this shell to be sacred. Chanks have historically been an important food source in many cultures. Today they are still targeted by artisanal and commercial fisheries.