Spirula

Spirula spirula is a species of deep-water squid-like cephalopod mollusk. It is the only extant member of the genus Spirula, the family Spirulidae, and the order Spirulida. Because of the shape of its internal shell, it is commonly known as the ram's horn squid or the little post horn squid. Because the live animal has a light-emitting organ, it is also sometimes known as the tail-light squid.

Live specimens of this cephalopod are very rarely seen, because it is a deep-ocean dweller. The small internal shell of the species is however quite a familiar object to many beachcombers. The shell of Spirula is extremely light in weight, very buoyant, and surprisingly durable; it very commonly floats ashore onto tropical beaches (and sometimes even temperate beaches) all over the world. This seashell is known to shell collectors as the ram's horn shell or simply as Spirula.

Description

S. spirula has a squid-like body between 35 mm and 45 mm long. It is a decapod, with eight arms and two longer tentacles, all with suckers. The arms and tentacles can all be withdrawn completely into the mantle.

Ram's horn

Ram’s horn can mean:

Ram's Horn (restaurant)

Ram's Horn is a family restaurant restaurant chain in the Detroit, Michigan metropolitan area. It was founded by three brothers, Gus, Gene, and Steve Kasapis, with the first location opening in 1967. They now have 25 locations all over the metro Detroit area. Most stores are independently owned. Their current slogan is "It's where to go when you're hungry!".

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