Flamingo Tongue Snail

Nature 4 Minutes

These snails are known for their strikingly beautiful shells, which are covered in bright pink and orange spots that resemble the feathers of a flamingo. Despite their small size, flamingo tongues are an important part of the marine ecosystem, serving as both predators and prey for a variety of other sea creatures.

The Flamingo Tongue Snail (Cyphoma gibbosum) is a species of marine gastropod mollusk in the family Ovulidae. They are found in the western Atlantic Ocean, from Florida to Brazil, and throughout the Caribbean Sea. These snails are named for their distinctive, brightly colored shells, which are covered in a pattern of black spots and stripes on a white or cream background. The spots and stripes resemble the feathers of a flamingo, hence the name “flamingo tongue.”

Flamingo Tongue Snails are relatively small, growing to a maximum length of about 3 centimeters. They are herbivores, feeding primarily on gorgonian corals. The snails use their radula, a ribbon-like structure covered in tiny teeth, to scrape algae and other organic material from the surface of the coral. One unique aspect of the Flamingo Tongue Snail is that the bright coloration of its shell is not actually part of the shell itself. Rather, the snail’s shell is covered in a thin layer of tissue that is brightly colored. This tissue is called the mantle, and it is responsible for secreting the calcium carbonate that makes up the shell.

Physical Characteristics

Flamingo tongues are small, brightly colored sea snails that are found in tropical waters. They are known for their distinctive orange, pink, and yellow coloring, which is often accented by black markings. These markings vary in shape and size, and can be found on both the soft tissue and the shell of the snail. Flamingo tongues are relatively small, with an average size of around 2.5 centimeters in length. They have a foot that is used for movement, as well as a shell that protects their soft tissue. The shell is typically white in color and has a smooth, glossy appearance.

One of the most striking features of the flamingo tongue is its eyes. They are large and located at the base of the tentacles, which are used for sensing the environment. The eyes are black and have a distinctive shape that is similar to that of a football. The soft tissue of the flamingo tongue is also brightly colored, with a range of orange, pink, and yellow hues. This tissue is used for feeding, and is covered in small, hair-like structures called cilia that help to move food particles towards the mouth.

Habitat and Distribution

Flamingo Tongues are found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. They are commonly found on coral reefs, especially in shallow fore reef habitats. They occupy a wide range of tropical habitats, including areas in South America and Brazil. These snails are known to have a preference for gorgonian corals as their host. They are often found on the branches of these corals, where they feed on the tissue. Studies show that they have a high abundance and distribution in these areas.

The distribution patterns of Flamingo Tongues are affected by a number of factors, including the availability of food and the presence of predators. They exhibit density aggregation behaviors, which means that they tend to cluster in areas where food is abundant.

In North Carolina, Flamingo Tongues are relatively rare, but they have been found in small numbers in the southern part of the state. Overall, their distribution is limited to the tropical waters of the Western Atlantic, where they are an important part of the coral reef ecosystem.

Diet and Feeding Habits

Flamingo tongue snails (Cyphoma gibbosum) are carnivorous and feed on a variety of organisms found in their habitat. They are known to feed on soft corals, sea fans, and gorgonian corals. The snails use their radula, a ribbon-like structure in their mouth, to scrape and tear off pieces of the coral’s tissue. They also feed on algae and plankton, as well as small crustaceans like shrimp.

The snails are known for their bright coloration, which serves as a warning to potential predators that they are toxic. The snails obtain this toxicity by feeding on gorgonian corals that contain toxic compounds. These compounds are stored in the snail’s mantle tissue, making them unpalatable to predators. Flamingo tongue snails have a unique feeding behavior where they preferentially feed on the tips of the coral branches. This behavior is thought to be an adaptation to reduce the risk of damage to the coral colony. The snails are also known to aggregate in high densities on certain coral species, which can result in significant damage to the coral colony.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Flamingo tongues are hermaphroditic, which means they have both male and female reproductive organs. However, they cannot fertilize themselves and require a mate to reproduce. During breeding season, flamingo tongues lay their eggs on the underside of gorgonian coral branches. The eggs are small and white and take around two weeks to hatch.

Flamingo tongues have a relatively short lifespan of around two to three years. However, they reach sexual maturity at a young age, around six months old. This allows them to breed multiple times during their short lifespan.

The young flamingo chicks are born with a transparent shell, which they break open with a specialized egg tooth on their beak. The chicks are born with a greyish color and gradually develop their distinctive pink coloration over time. The chicks are cared for by both parents and are fed regurgitated food until they are old enough to feed themselves.

SOURCE: AMERICANOCEANS.ORG

Unknown's avatar

Published by pat frederick

Published

159 thoughts on “Flamingo Tongue Snail”

    1. I can’t imagine what listening to that would be like as her parent…
      it’s more and more in the news–some illegal from Venezuela was was finally arrested in Denver for raping his boss’s 14 yr old daughter. he was staying in the boss’s basement at the time. these people are ANIMALS not looking for a better life…preying on innocents.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Cenk Uygur Stuns Liberals, Tells Them to ‘Take the Win’ on Cutting Government Spending

    “Why would we fight them on a thing we agree on?”

    Earlier today, Uygur got a reply from Elon Musk when he said the first place to cut government spending is The Pentagon.

    “Hey, Elon Musk put me in charge of the Pentagon: 400 billion, easy. That’ll get you 20% to your goal of 2 trillion right out of the gate,” he posted on X.

    Uygur also found it “fantastic” how Don Jr. agreed with him when he said we should ban conflicts of interest by preventing retired generals from taking cushy jobs with defense contractors.

    UYGUR: “… I have one suggestion already. The generals are not allowed to get a job with defense contractors for ten years. They authorize so much wasteful spending because they’re going to get hired by those same companies.”

    DON JR: “This is a great idea that has been discussed.”

    Liked by 1 person

  8. EXCERPT: “….This brings us to today. At Must Read Alaska, a guest column by Kevin Scholla asks if there is a place in the new Trump administration for one of Alaska’s most famous residents. My reaction? Maybe.

    The reasons for bringing in Sarah Palin are numerous. Her talents and background are vast and versatile. Energy Secretary and Secretary of Interior seemed like perfect fits. Those two positions, however, have already been offered to Chris Wright and Doug Burgum, respectively. Disappointing. Yet, Palin could still be given something, right? Ambassador to Canada or another country would be in her wheelhouse. A Palin comeback story would complete Trump’s comeback story.

    A slot where Sarah could help drive energy policy seems the obvious role. The slot for Energy Secretary has been filled, as has Interior, but there are deputy roles in both departments. While I’d rather see Energy done away with completely, the sad fact is that it probably won’t be — and Sarah not only comes from a major energy-producing state but has some relevant experience, having served on the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission before her terms as Governor.

    Mr. Scholla presents several arguments for giving Sarah Palin some role:

    Sarah Palin is capable: Palin’s successes have truly been remarkable. She has shined as a governor, a mayor, a councilor, a chairwoman, a TV host, a mother, and a grandmother. Trump’s agenda is strengthened with a strong woman like Sarah Palin in the mix.

    Sarah Palin is the ultimate patriot: She loves our country. She understands that America is exceptional because of liberty. She respects our flag and our founders. She is a constitutionalist. Trump can rest easy knowing a patriot like Palin would always make decisions with the country’s best interests in mind.

    Sarah Palin is loyal: She has never, ever wavered. When Palin is in your corner, you have the best behind you. Whether it’s personal relationships or political partnerships, Palin can always be counted on. After years of fighting off turncoats and phonies, Trump could use a real one like Palin in his proverbial foxhole.

    But this, perhaps, is the most compelling argument:

    They share a kinship: No two people in the history of U.S. politics have been mercilessly, relentlessly, and viciously attacked like Trump and Palin. Trump knows that he was done wrong by so many. He stayed the course and returned to prominence. Now, he can have a hand in getting Palin vindicated for all she and her family have endured.

    That, folks, is an interesting argument for bringing Sarah Palin on board, and it would surely resonate with President-elect Trump (still not tired of typing that) as he is known to place a high value on loyalty — and given all he has been through since 2016, it’s easy to see why.

    Few American politicians have taken the kind of unrelenting heat and outright hatred as have Donald Trump and Sarah Palin. But of all the things these two have in common, it is perhaps the “going rogue” factor that’s the most interesting. They have suffered the slings and arrows of the outrageous legacy media and Democrats (but I repeat myself) and come through it. President Trump has just staged what may well be the greatest political comeback in the history of the republic, and he is now clearly putting a team together. 

    How about the Deputy Secretary of Energy? There’s going to be a lot of work that needs to be done to return America to energy independence. Chris Wright will need a team, just as President Trump will need a team. Who better to help drive America’s energy transformation than Alaska’s favorite rogue?”

    https://redstate.com/wardclark/2024/11/22/is-there-a-place-in-team-trump-for-alaskas-favorite-rogue-n2182348

    Liked by 1 person

  9. NF: Well, this isn’t good….

    EXCERPT: “Donald Trump’s second choice for Attorney General is likely to find a warmer reception in the Senate than Matt Gaetz did, but she could face some hostility from Second Amendment organizations over some of her previous positions on guns and gun control. 

    Pam Bondi served as Florida’s attorney general for eight years, and was in office when the legislature crafted its response to the 2018 shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. 

    “In a time of crisis, it’s about finding common ground, and that’s what Gov. Scott has done,” Bondi told Fox Business host Stuart Varney in March of that year, as the Florida legislature was in the midst of passing legislation that, among other things, raised the age to purchase a firearm from 18 to 21 and established a “red flag” law in the state. 

    During that same interview, Bondi praised Trump’s response to the Parkland shootings and expressed her hope that he could be a “mediator” with federal lawmakers.

    “Hopefully Congress will follow Florida’s lead and what Gov. Scott has been doing here in Florida and all of us working so well together,” she told Varney as the interview concluded. 

    Even before Bondi tacitly embraced “red flag” laws and prohibiting young adults from purchasing firearms at retail, some 2A activists in Florida weren’t big fans of Bondi’s tenure as AG. Florida Carry’s general counsel Eric Friday expressed relief when current AG Ashley Moody took over the position in 2019….”

    https://bearingarms.com/camedwards/2024/11/22/bondi-gun-control-n1226971

    Liked by 1 person

  10. “The US are Instigating War with Russia”

    Clandestine, Nov 22, 2024

    (Video/Transcript)

    “Unfortunately, many still wrongly believe that Russia are the aggressors.

    The US overthrew Ukraine via color revolution, took control via proxy, built a standing army on Russia’s border, supplied them with NATO weapons and training, and are now launching US missiles into Russia.

    How would you feel if Russia overthrew Canada via color revolution, took control of their government via proxy, built a massive army on our border, gave them Russian missiles, and then helped Canada shoot those missiles inside the United States? Because that’s what the US just did to Russia.

    Remember the Cuban missile crisis? The US had a hard red line for the Soviet Union, that they could NOT put nuclear missiles within range to strike the US. We almost went to direct kinetic war with Russia over the situation.

    Now the US, by control of the Deep State, put missiles and armies on Russia’s border, after Putin told us for decades that it was a hard red line for them, just like it’s a red line for the US.

    The US are the aggressors. They ignored all the attempts at diplomacy, they ignored Russia’s warnings, brought war to Russia’s doorstep, and now Putin is backed into a corner. He does not want this war, he just wants NATO missiles and armies away from his border, which historically, is a fairly reasonable request.

    If you still think that Russia moved into Ukraine “unprovoked”, you are brainwashed.”

    Liked by 1 person

      1. They appear to have a lot of power:

        EXCERPT: “On June 6, 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Securities Exchange Act, which created the SEC. This Act gave the SEC extensive power to regulate the securities industry, including the New York Stock Exchange. It also allowed them to bring civil charges against individuals and companies who violated securities laws.

        President Roosevelt appointed Wall Street investor and businessman Joseph P. Kennedy — father of future president John F. Kennedy — as the SEC’s first chairman.

        Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935

        To keep utility costs down and reduce the hold a handful of utility empires had on the industry, Congress also passed the Public Utility Holding Company Act (PUHCA) of 1935. It required interstate utility holding companies to register with the SEC and provide operational and financial information.

        PUHCA also gave the SEC the power to break up utility companies with pyramid-type structures in which a few investors controlled numerous subsidiaries, often leading to high costs, unfair practices and poor service.”

        https://www.history.com/topics/us-government-and-politics/securities-and-exchange-commission

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Nope – not fond of beaches at all, unless it’s a lake. Nah – I’d prefer in the trees somewhere.

        Like

  19. “Joe Rogan Says If Dragons Aren’t Real Then What Was He Riding Through Hyperspace While Smoking Pot With The Machine Elves Last Night?”

    Celebs · Nov 22, 2024 · BabylonBee.com

    Article Image

    AUSTIN, TX — Comedian and podcaster Joe Rogan, a professed believer in dragons, pushed back against naysayers by presenting a thought-provoking argument, asking if dragons weren’t real, then what exactly was he riding through hyperspace on while smoking pot with machine elves last night?

    “You can’t explain it, can you?” Joe Rogan asked, addressing his podcast audience. “This chick from the view — Joy Behar — is mocking me for believing in dragons. But if dragons aren’t real, then how did I traverse hyperspace while smoking a joint with the machine elves last night? It could only have been possible with an interdimensional dragon.”

    Rogan, who had previously discussed his use of the psychedelic drug DMT while spending time immersed in a sensory deprivation chamber, assured the public that the event had actually taken place and could not possibly have been a hallucination.

    “This was an interstellar dragon named Nimrod and I rode him through a wormhole,” he explained. “It was a wild experience. This one was very real. Even the machine elves were freaked.”

    The former News Radio star explained that, despite popular belief, dragons don’t breathe fire. They instead breathe god particles that influence a human’s perception of space and time. “They’re out there blowing holes in space and time with their breath and eating fractals,” he said. “It’s awesome. Craziest thing you’ll ever see. So explain that, Joy.”

    At publishing time, Rogan had invited Joy Behar to be a guest on his podcast so they could debate dragons in person, but she politely declined.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. “Trump Announces FBI Director Nominee: Catturd”

    Politics · Nov 22, 2024 · BabylonBee.com

    Article Image

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — President-Elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks continued to stir up controversy on Capitol Hill and across the country, as he announced that he had officially nominated Catturd for FBI Director.

    Trump’s nomination of the right-wing social media personality surprised people from all parts of the political spectrum. Most mainstream political commentators heavily criticized the decision, with many of them citing Catturd’s lack of law enforcement or legal experience and propensity for posting replies to their X posts that get more shares and engagement than the original posts themselves.

    “We love Catturd, don’t we, folks?” Trump said in response to the public outcry. “He’s a great guy, very smart, very talented. Let me tell you, folks, he’ll run a better FBI than James Comey ever did. Very sad, James Comey. He was a dirty guy. ‘Dirty Jim,’ we call him. Very sad guy. We think that the FBI will turn things around under Director Catturd. And that’s quite a hat, I must say.”

    While Catturd had not yet commented publicly on the nomination, many conservatives were optimistic that the FBI would spend less time spying on American citizens if the bureau’s director was distracted by social media all day.

    “That would be great — and if he could post some sick memes every now and then, I’d be down for that,” said U.S. citizen Brandon Bailey. “Oh, look — he’s having a public argument with Three Year Letterman on X. That’s what I’ve always wanted in an FBI director.”

    At publishing time, Catturd had publicly accepted the nomination by making several irreverent posts on prominent liberal accounts on X.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. “Court Overturns Jussie Smollett Hoax Conviction Due To Evidence America Actually Is MAGA Country”

    Celebs · Nov 22, 2024 · BabylonBee.com

    Article Image

    SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois Supreme Court announced yesterday that it had overturned disgraced actor Jussie Smollett’s conviction on charges of faking a hate crime after new evidence from early this month appeared to show that America is, in fact, MAGA country.

    While the case that Smollett completely made up a racially motivated crime against himself seemed to prove that the incident was fabricated, several nationwide reports have indicated that America may actually be, as Smollett said his attackers claimed, “MAGA country.”

    “I was sure he was guilty of making it up,” admitted Mary Jane Theis, the Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. “But after what happened on November 5? This definitely is MAGA country, make no mistake about that. I cannot, in good conscience, allow this conviction to stand given the overwhelming popularity of Donald Trump in this country. Mr. Smollett’s alleged attackers were certainly telling him the truth.”

    Smollett celebrated the overturning of his conviction. “What I said was true from the start,” he told reporters. “Those two guys I had never seen before and definitely did not hire to pretend to attack me outside a Subway restaurant were just two of the tens of millions of people in this country who love Donald Trump. Not only was my neighborhood ‘MAGA country’ on that fateful night, but most of America is ‘MAGA country’ today. I stand here vindicated. No further questions, please.”

    At publishing time, Smollett had reportedly been assaulted once again outside the Illinois Supreme Court but no one believed him.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. “Post-Menopausal Lesbians Flee America Over Concerns About Forced Pregnancies”

    Celebs · Nov 21, 2024 · BabylonBee.com 

    Article Image

    LONDON — A pair of post-menopausal lesbians announced they had fled the United States over concerns about forced pregnancies. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi revealed that they had taken refuge in the serene English countryside where they could be free from being forced to carry babies to term.

    “No one’s forcing me to have a baby,” Ellen said of her decision to leave the United States. “Okay, sure, I can’t have one for biological reasons — and I’m a lesbian — but still. Hands off my uterus, Trump.”

    England, known for having stricter abortion laws than DeGeneres and Rossi’s former home of California, had already helped make them feel safe because J.K. Rowling making Dumbledore gay has made everyone so understanding.

    “I say, isn’t that the Ellen chap from the tele?” local Englishman Theo Underhill was overheard asking his manservant as he spotted the lesbians out for a stroll. “By Jove, I believe it is! Can’t get pregnant, you know. Lesbians, that is.”

    Portia de Rossi said it was hard to leave California as an actress who isn’t getting any more work, but it was all worth it. “I’m just glad no one will force us to be pregnant ever again,” she said. “Which is good, even though it’s impossible.”

    At publishing time, DeGeneres and de Rossi’s relationship was called into question for other reasons, including the fact that most people assumed Ellen was a ten-year-old boy whose middle-aged mother was being very inappropriate with him.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. I am adding a short daily prayer to the board. I would invite each of you, if you wish, to also add one or maybe two of your own liking. I do not want to stifle anyone but please limit yourself to one or two religious postings. here’s one I found that I liked.

    Like

Comments are closed.