Oliva australis
NameOliva australis
Scientific NameOliva australis
Common NameAustralian Olive Snail
FamilyOlividae
GenusOliva
Speciesaustralis
Geographic DistributionEndemic to southern and western Australia.
Average Size (mm)20-60 mm (shell length)
Identifying FeaturesSmooth, highly polished, elongated shell; short, conical spire; characteristic axial color patterns; the living animal's mantle often partially envelops the shell; prominent siphon visible when active.
Raritycommon
Author CitationDuclos, 1835
Description
Oliva australis is a species of predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Olividae, commonly known as the Australian Olive Snail. It is characterized by its smooth, glossy, elongated, and cylindrical shell, typically creamy white to light brown with distinctive darker brown or reddish-brown axial markings. The living animal is often observed partially covering its shell with its mantle and burrowing in sandy substrates.
