Coralliophila galea
NameCoralliophila galea
Scientific NameCoralliophila galea
Common NameGaleate Coral Snail
FamilyMuricidae
GenusCoralliophila
Speciesgalea
Geographic DistributionWestern Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Florida, and Brazil.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)15-50
Identifying FeaturesKey features include its ovate-conical to globose shell shape, wide aperture, short spire, and often a sculptured surface. Its specialized corallivorous diet and habitat on stony corals are also distinguishing characteristics.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Dillwyn, 1817)
Description
Coralliophila galea is a species of predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk. Its shell is typically globose to ovate-conical, characterized by a relatively wide aperture and a short spire. The surface can be sculptured, though the specimen in the image appears smoother. This species is known for its corallivorous diet, living in close association with stony corals.
