Agaronia hiatula
NameAgaronia hiatula
Scientific NameAgaronia hiatula
Common NameHiatula olive, West African olive
FamilyOlividae
GenusAgaronia
Specieshiatula
Geographic DistributionPrimarily West Africa, ranging from Mauritania to Angola. Also reported from the Mediterranean Sea, likely as an introduced species.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapefusiform
Average Size (mm)Typically ranges from 30 to 60 mm in length, with the specimen in the image appearing to be around 40-50 mm.
Identifying FeaturesIts smooth, glossy surface, elongated shape, distinct color patterns (dark axial markings on a lighter background with a subsutural band), and the characteristic large, narrow aperture of an olive shell. The animal's large, fleshy foot is often visible when extended.
Raritycommon
Author CitationGmelin, 1791
Description
Agaronia hiatula is a species of predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk known for its smooth, glossy, and elongated shell. It is typically found burrowing in sandy substrates in shallow coastal waters.
