Trochus tiaratus

Taxobox
name = "Trochus tiaratus"
status =
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Mollusca
classis = Gastropoda
subclassis = Prosobranchia
ordo = Archaeogastropoda
superfamilia = Trochacea
familia = Trochidae
genus = Trochus
species = "T. tiaratus"
binomial = "Trochus tiaratus"
binomial_authority = Quoy & Gaimard, 1834

"Trochus tiaratus" is a species of small sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Trochidae, the top snails.

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand.

Habitat

This top snail is common on rocks from the low tide level to depths of 45 m.

hell description

The shell is depressed to elevated-conic, with a wide and deep false umbilicus. It is sculptured with delicate beaded cords, stopped at a smooth cord margining the umbilical area.

The shell coloration is whitish, finely tesselated with reddish-brown. The interior of the aperture is iridescent.

The shell height is up to 15 mm, and width up to 18 mm.

References

* Powell A W B, "New Zealand Mollusca", William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1979 ISBN 0-00-216906-1
* Miller M & Batt G, "Reef and Beach Life of New Zealand", William Collins (New Zealand) Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1973