GT 101
What kind of animal is the Giant Triton: a fish, a mollusk, or a crab?
A mollusk! Specifically, a marine gastropod mollusk!
What’s the Giant Triton’s main way of moving around?
It uses its muscular foot to crawl!
In what marine environment does the Giant Triton live?
Coral reefs!
What is the Giant Triton’s favorite meal?
The Crown-of-Thorns Starfish
True or false: People used to collect Giant Triton shells as souvenirs.
True
True or false: The Giant Triton is one of the biggest mollusks in the world.
True
What’s the hard “door” it closes when hiding inside its shell called?
The operculum.
What ocean area is it mostly found in?
Indo-Pacific Ocean
Why is eating Crown-of-Thorns Starfish so important?
Because those starfish destroy coral reefs
Why is collecting giant triton shells a problem?
Because if there are fewer grand tritons then there are more starfish eating away the reefs
What’s the Giant Triton’s scientific name?
Charonia tritonis
The Triton’s “tongue” with tiny teeth used to tear food apart is called what?
The radula.
Does it live deep down in the ocean or in more shallow waters?
More shallow areas where coral grows
How does the Giant Triton catch its prey?
It finds them by smell and uses its foot to grab them.
Is the Giant Triton protected anywhere today?
Yes, Australia
Which mythological sea god is it named after?
The Greek god Triton, son of Poseidon.
How does the Giant Triton “smell” its prey underwater?
Chemical sensors on its tentacles.
Why does the Grand Triton like coral reefs so much?
it can hide there ande that's where its food lives (like starfish)
What special trick does it have to stop its prey?
It has saliva that paralyzes its prey so they can't escape
What’s one way scientists are helping this species now?
They’re breeding Giant Tritons to control starfish naturally
What’s the Giant Triton’s nickname that comes from its shell shape?
Triton’s Trumpet!
Why is the Triton’s shell spindle-shaped and thick?
To protect it from predators
How does where it lives help protect the ocean ecosystem?
It hunts stafish that eat the coral reefs and that helps keep the ocean healthy
What happens to reefs when there aren't enough Giant Tritons around?
Starfish populations explode and reefs get eaten away.
Why is it called a coral reef superhero?
Because it’s one of the only animals that saves coral reefs by eating the predators that destroy them!