half-ribbed star shell
Namehalf-ribbed star shell
Scientific NameBolma asteriola
Common Namehalf-ribbed star shell
FamilyTurbinidae
GenusBolma
Speciesasteriola
Geographic DistributionWestern Atlantic Ocean, including off the coast of Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)20-50
Identifying FeaturesThe combination of a conical, somewhat nodulose or ribbed shell, a highly nacreous interior, and a thick, white, calcareous operculum is characteristic. The 'half-ribbed' aspect refers to the specific ornamentation pattern on its shell.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Dall, 1925)
Description
A marine gastropod mollusk, commonly known as the half-ribbed star shell, characterized by its robust, conical shell. The exterior is typically dull and often encrusted, while the interior of the aperture is brilliantly nacreous. A distinctive feature is its thick, white, calcareous operculum, clearly visible in the image, which serves to seal the aperture when the animal retracts.
