Typically, each animal of this subclass secretes a tubular whorl that forms an ever-enlarging cone-shaped shell as the snail grows. Normally, the snail's soft body is completely hidden within the shell. Occasionally, a tube-like mouth and two tentacles are seen extending from the shell's opening. Eyes are usually located at the base of these tentacles. A short leathery foot is extended to slowly drag the snail about. Many species have a hard disc attached to the foot. This covers the opening of the shell when the animal withdraws. A few species extend their mantle over the entire shell as camouflage.
The following taxa of this subclass occur in the region:
Strombus gigas (Queen conch)
Strombus costatus (Milk conch)
Strombus raninus (Hawkwing conch)
Charonia variegata (Atlantic triton's trumpet)
Cymatium aquatile (Atlantic hairy triton)
Cassis flammea (Flame helmet)
Oliva reticularis (Netted olive)
Astraea tecta (West Indian star-shell)
Cerithium litteratum (Stocky cerith)
Niveria pediculus (Coffee bean trivia)
Luria cinerea (Atlantic gray cowrie)
Cyphoma gibbosum (Flamingo tongue)
Vermicularia knorrii (Wormsnail)