Description

 

Pagoda shell molluscs comprise a rare group of deep water species that are related to the Muricidae. Fewer than 30 species are known,  and most are world-wide in distribution. The molluscs have a chitinous operculum, while the rather fragile shell shows both upturned spines on the shoulders of each whorl and a characteristically long siphonal canal. The canal is open all the way to the tip. Coluzea species are restricted to the New Zealand area.

Classification

Class: Gastropoda

Clade: Neogastropoda

Superfamily: Muriacoidea

Family:Columbariidae 

 

Major Genera

• Genus: Columbarium
• Genus: Coluzea
• Genus: Halia
• Genus: Pusionella

Columbarium pagoda (Lesson, 1831)
First Pagoda Shell
(7.5 cm. long)

Columbarium bermudezi (Clench & Aguayo, 1938)
Burmudez's Pagoda Shell
(a rare species, 6.9 cm long)