This genus has numerous species, perhaps as many as 100, some of which have a
worldwide distribution. The genus has been divided into at least 10 subgenera. Some authors have elevated those subgenera, giving them the full status of genera, but this is by no means universally accepted.
Fossil records
This genus is known in the fossil records from the
Eocene to the
Quaternary (age range: from 55.8 to 0.012 million years ago).[2]
Description
These sea snails have separate sexes. They lay egg capsules. After hatching, the
larvae have a
planktonic stage that can (in some species) last several months; this is what enables the very widespread distribution seen in certain species, as the planktonic larvae can be carried great distances before settling to the sea floor.
Subgenera
There are at least 10 subgenera within the genus Cymatium[1]. These are elevated by some authors to the level of genera.
This genus has numerous species, perhaps as many as 100, some of which have a
worldwide distribution. The genus has been divided into at least 10 subgenera. Some authors have elevated those subgenera, giving them the full status of genera, but this is by no means universally accepted.
Fossil records
This genus is known in the fossil records from the
Eocene to the
Quaternary (age range: from 55.8 to 0.012 million years ago).[2]
Description
These sea snails have separate sexes. They lay egg capsules. After hatching, the
larvae have a
planktonic stage that can (in some species) last several months; this is what enables the very widespread distribution seen in certain species, as the planktonic larvae can be carried great distances before settling to the sea floor.
Subgenera
There are at least 10 subgenera within the genus Cymatium[1]. These are elevated by some authors to the level of genera.