
Antalis vulgaris

Antalis vulgaris, commonly known as the common tusk shell, is a species of scaphopods mainly encountered on sandy bottoms from 5 to 1000 meters depth.
Description.
"Antalis vulgaris" is a small mollusc of 3 to 6 cm length with a characteristic elephant tusk shape. Its shell is opaque white and displays closely spaced longitudinal striations on the posterior portion. The anterior aperture (thinnest end) is circular and is occluded by a septum with a central pipe bearing a circular orifice. 
Distribution.
The common tusk shell is found from south-western United Kingdom to western Mediterranean. 
Behaviour.
Diet.
The species stands vertically in soft grounds and search the sand with specific adhesive tentacles (captacula) for small benthic species such as foraminifera. 
Reproduction.
Separated sexes. The fecundation is external and gives rise to planktonic larvae called trochophore. 