marginella

gastropod family

Also known as: Marginellidae

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

Marginellidae is a large, nearly worldwide family of small marine snails. These snails belong to the suborder Stenoglossa and are characterized by their strong, porcelaneous shells, which are often somewhat pear-shaped. The shells have a long, narrow aperture and a thickened outer lip.1

The genus Marginella is the type genus for this family and comprises small, glossy white-shelled marine snails, primarily found in tropical regions. A mollusk belonging to the genus Marginella or the family Marginellidae is referred to as a marginella.2

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gastropod
Classification
…(Volutidae), nutmeg shells (Cancellariidae), and marginellas (Marginellidae) generally have operculum reduced or lacking; most are tropical ocean dwellers, active predators or scavengers; many olive, volute, and marginella shells are highly polished and colourful. Superfamily Toxoglossa Auger shells (Terebridae), cone shells (Conidae) and
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…(Volutidae), nutmeg shells (Cancellariidae), and marginellas (Marginellidae) generally have operculum reduced or lacking; most are tropical ocean dwellers, active predators or scavengers; many olive, volute, and marginella shells are highly polished and colourful. Superfamily Toxoglossa Auger shells (Terebridae), cone shells (Conidae) and
Read More