Cook's Turban
NameCook's Turban
Scientific NameCookia sulcata
Common NameCook's Turban
FamilyTurbinidae
GenusCookia
Speciessulcata
Geographic DistributionEndemic to New Zealand, found around the North, South, Stewart, and Chatham Islands.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)80
Identifying FeaturesDistinguished by its heavy, robust, turbinate shell with prominent, wavy, scaly, or corrugated spiral ribs. A key identifying feature is its thick, calcareous, white operculum with a dark central marking. The interior is pearly, and the shell is often heavily encrusted with epibionts.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Gmelin, 1791)
Description
A large, heavy marine gastropod shell, characterized by its turbinate (top-shaped) form and a rough, corrugated exterior surface. The shell is typically dull greyish-white, often encrusted with marine growth, and features prominent wavy spiral ridges. The aperture reveals a pearly white interior and a thick, white, calcareous operculum with a distinct dark central marking.
