Grooved Moonsnail
NameGrooved Moonsnail
Scientific NameNatica sulcata
Common NameGrooved Moonsnail
FamilyNaticidae
GenusNatica
Speciessulcata
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, Indian Ocean, and Western Pacific.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeglobose
Average Size (mm)20-50
Identifying FeaturesThe most prominent identifying feature is the presence of numerous, well-defined, regular spiral grooves (striae) covering the entire shell surface. It also exhibits the typical naticid shape with a low spire and large body whorl. The umbilicus is often partially or fully covered by a callus.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Born, 1778)
Description
A marine gastropod mollusc, the Grooved Moonsnail is characterized by its thick, globose shell adorned with distinct, regular spiral grooves. It is a predatory snail, known for drilling into the shells of other molluscs to feed.
