Blotched neriteNerita albicilla
Category
- Rocky Shores
Description
Nerites are marine gastropods with thick, rounded shells. The shell usually has a distinctive globular shape and is possibly adapted to withstand the conditions of the habitat. Nerita albicilla has a sculptured smooth outer shell with small bumps, broad, low, spiral ribs[1]. It is commonly called the blotched nerite as it has an irregular black and white pattern. It has a depressed spire and its width is greater than it height. It can grow up to 4cm. It has four weak teeth like structures at the shell opening. The inside of the shell is white with a pink-grey operculum (lid or cover).
[1] The Seashells of New South Wales, Des Beechey, Senior Fellow, Australian Museum, Release 25. Website at https://seashellsofnsw.org.au/Neritidae/Pages/Nerita_albicilla.htm. Accessed 16.04.2019.
Habitat and ecology
Nerita albicilla is present throughout the tropical Indo–West Pacific region. It can be found in dense colonies on exposed rocky areas between mid and low tide, sheltering under the rocks or in crevices. They are broadcast spawners and their larvae are planktonic. Its diet consists of algae.
Conservation and management
This species N. albicilla has not been evaluated.
Did you know?
To escape from predators, nerites immediately unclamp from rocks, retract their bodies into their shells and bounce down like marbles.
