Fly-specked Moon Snail
NameFly-specked Moon Snail
Scientific NameNaticarius maculosus
Common NameFly-specked Moon Snail
FamilyNaticidae
GenusNaticarius
Speciesmaculosus
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa to the Western Pacific, including parts of Australia.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapeglobose
Average Size (mm)20
Identifying FeaturesIts most prominent identifying feature is the 'fly-specked' pattern of dark spots on its globose shell. It also possesses a very large, fleshy foot that can partially envelop the shell and is covered in fine white speckles. The operculum is calcareous.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Lamarck, 1822)
Description
The Fly-specked Moon Snail is a marine gastropod characterized by its globose, smooth shell and a large, enveloping foot. The shell exhibits a distinctive pattern of dark spots on a lighter background, resembling fly specks. The animal's foot is broad and often extends significantly beyond the shell, allowing it to glide over sandy substrates, as seen in the image. It is a predatory snail, typical of the Naticidae family.
