Indothais sacellum
NameIndothais sacellum
Scientific NameIndothais sacellum
Common NameSacellum Rock Snail
FamilyMuricidae
GenusIndothais
Speciessacellum
Geographic DistributionTropical Indo-West Pacific, including regions such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, and various islands throughout the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapefusiform
Average Size (mm)25 - 40
Identifying FeaturesKey identifying features include its robust, thick shell with prominent nodulose or spiny sculpture, a relatively short spire, and a short siphonal canal. The shell is often heavily encrusted. The presence of yellow, vase-shaped egg capsules, as seen in the image, is characteristic of Muricidae reproduction and can often be found near breeding individuals.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Gmelin, 1791)
Description
Indothais sacellum is a robust, predatory marine gastropod belonging to the Muricidae family, commonly known as rock snails. It is characterized by its thick, nodulose shell and is a common inhabitant of rocky intertidal zones across the Indo-Pacific. The specimen in the image is heavily encrusted with marine growth, obscuring its natural shell coloration, and is shown in close proximity to what appear to be its egg capsules.
