Common Rice Olive
NameCommon Rice Olive
Scientific NameOlivella nivea
Common NameCommon Rice Olive
FamilyOlividae
GenusOlivella
Speciesnivea
Geographic DistributionWestern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Florida, USA, through the Caribbean Sea, to Brazil.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)10-25
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, extremely smooth and glossy surface, pointed spire, narrow and elongated aperture, and a columella with a few distinct folds at the anterior end. The characteristic irregular color patterns are also a key feature.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Gmelin, 1791)
Description
The Common Rice Olive is a small, slender, and glossy marine gastropod shell. It is characterized by its elongate-ovate shape, smooth surface, and pointed spire. The aperture is narrow, and the columella typically features a few folds at its base. The shell's coloration is generally a white to cream background adorned with irregular patterns of yellowish-brown or orange markings.
