Black-mouth Moon Snail
NameBlack-mouth Moon Snail
Scientific NamePolinices melanostomus
Common NameBlack-mouth Moon Snail
FamilyNaticidae
GenusPolinices
Speciesmelanostomus
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and parts of the Indian Ocean.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeglobose
Average Size (mm)30-60
Identifying FeaturesThe smooth, globose shell, low spire, and particularly the distinctive dark brown to black columellar callus and inner lip of the aperture are key identifying features. The umbilicus is typically completely filled by the callus.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Gmelin, 1791)
Description
A medium-sized, thick-shelled marine gastropod, characterized by its smooth, glossy, globose shell, low spire, and a large body whorl. The exterior is typically whitish to pale tan, often with subtle spiral banding. Its most striking feature, and the source of its common name, is the dark brown to black columellar callus and inner lip of the aperture. It is a predatory snail found burrowing in sandy or muddy bottoms of the Indo-Pacific.
