Astralium wallisi
NameAstralium wallisi
Scientific NameAstralium wallisi
Common NameWallis's Star Shell
FamilyTurbinidae
GenusAstralium
Specieswallisi
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific, specifically known from Eastern Australia (Queensland, New South Wales) and New Caledonia.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)20-50 mm in diameter
Identifying FeaturesKey identifying features include its conical shape with a flattened base, the distinctive spiny or nodulose periphery, and the striking purplish-pink nacreous interior of the aperture. The operculum (not visible in image) is calcareous.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Iredale, 1937)
Description
A marine gastropod seashell, *Astralium wallisi*, characterized by its trochiform (conical) shape with a flattened base and a distinctly spiny or nodulose periphery. The shell's exterior is often mottled, while the interior of the aperture is strikingly nacreous with a vibrant purplish-pink columella and inner lip. The specimen in the image is shown resting on a rocky, algal-covered substrate.
