Ianthina (purple shell or violet snail) is a genus of beautiful pelagic gastropods of a violet colour. They float at the surface of the sea, with the thin shells upturned and feed on various kinds of jelly-fish. A special peculiarity is the 'raft', which is attached to the foot, and has the egg capsules suspended from its under surface. This raft or float consists of a mucoid substance, and is filled with air-bubbles, by means of which it sustains the attached animal at the surface of the water. The ancient Tyrian purple dye was obtained in part from these animals. Research Ianthina
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Abbreviations
Research Ianthina
