triton trumpet

Many people have seen the beautiful spiral triton trumpet shell. Unfortunately, most people can see these brown and white shells only for sale in a market. Far fewer people have seen this rare creature in its natural habitat of the coral reefs. At night, this carnivore snail can be found trudging through the reef, hunting for a meal. The triton trumpet uses its sense of smell to find prey.

Image credits: main image, © M. Mildenberger/AGE Fotostock.