Olivella minuta
NameOlivella minuta
Scientific NameOlivella minuta
Common NameMinuta Dwarf Olive, Minute Olive
FamilyOlividae
GenusOlivella
Speciesminuta
Geographic DistributionWestern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina to Florida, throughout the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and extending south to Brazil.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)5-15 mm in length.
Identifying FeaturesKey identifying features include its small, slender, glossy shell with characteristic dark zigzag patterns. When alive, the large, fleshy parapodia (extensions of the foot) often wrap around and partially cover the shell, as clearly visible in the image. A prominent siphon is also typically extended.
Raritycommon
Author CitationLink, 1807
Description
A small, active marine gastropod, commonly known as the Minuta Dwarf Olive. The image displays a living specimen with its soft body (parapodia and siphon) partially extended and enveloping the shell. The shell is slender, glossy, and features distinctive zigzag patterns. This species is a sand-dwelling predator found in shallow marine environments.
