Damon's volute
NameDamon's volute
Scientific NameCymbiola damonii
Common NameDamon's volute
FamilyVolutidae
GenusCymbiola
Speciesdamonii
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, primarily found off the coasts of Northern Australia (including Queensland, Northern Territory, and Western Australia), Papua New Guinea, and parts of Indonesia.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapefusiform
Average Size (mm)70-150 mm
Identifying FeaturesThe most distinctive identifying feature is the large, highly patterned mantle (deep reddish-brown with yellow stripes) that the living animal extends to cover a significant portion of its shell. The shell itself has a characteristic reticulated brown pattern on a lighter background, and a relatively smooth surface.
Rarityrare
Author Citation(Gray, 1864)
Description
Damon's volute is a large, carnivorous marine gastropod, highly prized for its striking appearance. The shell itself is typically cream or off-white, adorned with intricate, irregular reddish-brown reticulated patterns. However, a key feature of the living animal is its expansive and vibrantly colored mantle, which often partially or fully envelops the shell. This mantle is typically a deep reddish-brown or purplish-brown, marked with numerous bright yellow or golden-yellow longitudinal stripes. It inhabits subtidal sandy or muddy bottoms in tropical waters.
