Cat's Eye Snail
NameCat's Eye Snail
Scientific NameTurbo petholatus
Common NameCat's Eye Snail
FamilyTurbinidae
GenusTurbo
Speciespetholatus
Geographic DistributionWidespread throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including East Africa, the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Western Pacific to the Pacific Islands.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapeturbinate
Average Size (mm)40-80
Identifying FeaturesThe most definitive identifying feature is its unique, thick, calcareous operculum, which is highly polished, convex, and typically green with a white spiral pattern, giving it the 'cat's eye' appearance. The heavy, globose shell with a nacreous interior is also characteristic.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Linnaeus, 1758)
Description
A medium to large-sized marine gastropod, characterized by its heavy, globose shell and a highly distinctive, polished, calcareous operculum. The shell exterior is typically dark, often dark green to black, sometimes with intricate patterns. The interior of the aperture is brilliantly iridescent, displaying shades of green and white nacre. The operculum, which gives the snail its common name, is thick, convex, and smooth, usually bright green with a prominent white or cream spiral pattern, strikingly resembling a cat's eye.
