Oliva bifasciata
NameOliva bifasciata
Scientific NameOliva bifasciata
Common NameTwo-banded Olive, Banded Olive
FamilyOlividae
GenusOliva
Speciesbifasciata
Geographic DistributionEastern Pacific Ocean, from Baja California, Mexico, south to Peru, including the Gulf of California and Central American coasts (e.g., Panama, Ecuador).
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)30-70 mm
Identifying FeaturesThe most distinctive features are the two prominent, broad, dark spiral bands on a lighter background, combined with the glossy, elongated, cylindrical shape and the characteristic long, narrow aperture of an Oliva shell. The fine zigzag markings in the lighter areas are also characteristic.
Raritycommon
Author CitationKüster, 1878
Description
A medium-sized, glossy, elongated shell with a cylindrical body whorl. It features a creamy white background adorned with two prominent, broad, reddish-brown spiral bands. The lighter areas between and above these bands often display finer, irregular, zigzag or reticulated brown markings. The spire is relatively short, and the aperture is long and narrow, characteristic of the Olividae family.
