Colorful Moon Snail
NameColorful Moon Snail
Scientific NameNatica vitellus
Common NameColorful Moon Snail
FamilyNaticidae
GenusNatica
Speciesvitellus
Geographic DistributionWidespread in the Indo-Pacific region, including East Africa, the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeglobose
Average Size (mm)30
Identifying FeaturesSmooth, highly polished surface; globose shape with a low spire; distinctive wavy or zigzag brown axial patterns on a light background; often a callus partially or fully covering the umbilicus (though not visible in this dorsal view).
Raritycommon
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1758
Description
A medium-sized, globose marine gastropod shell, characterized by its smooth, polished surface and distinctive wavy brown patterns on a pale background. The spire is low, and the body whorl is large and inflated.
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