Carol's Volute
NameCarol's Volute
Scientific NameMelo carolae
Common NameCarol's Volute
FamilyVolutidae
GenusMelo
Speciescarolae
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, particularly around the Philippines and Indonesia.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapefusiform
Average Size (mm)150-250
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, heavy shell, smooth and glossy surface, distinctive reddish-brown blotches on a pale background, short spire, and a wide, elongated aperture with a smooth columella.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Dautzenberg, 1905)
Description
A large, heavy marine gastropod shell, commonly known as Carol's Volute. The shell is fusiform, characterized by a relatively short spire and a large, inflated body whorl. Its surface is smooth and glossy, displaying a creamy white to pale yellow background adorned with distinctive, irregular reddish-brown or orange-brown blotches and spots. The aperture is wide and elongated, with an inner lip that is typically smooth or possesses very weak columellar folds. The shell in the image is resting on a sandy substrate, indicative of its natural habitat.
