Olivella pulchella
NameOlivella pulchella
Scientific NameOlivella pulchella (Duclos, 1835)
Common NameWhite Dwarf Olive, Snow Olive
FamilyOlividae
GenusOlivella
Speciespulchella
Geographic DistributionWestern Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea, ranging from Florida (USA) southwards to Brazil.
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)10-25
Identifying FeaturesKey features include its smooth, highly polished, olive-shaped shell, a pointed spire, and a long, narrow aperture. The columella typically has several distinct folds. The absence of strong external sculpture is characteristic.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Duclos, 1835)
Description
A small, smooth, and highly glossy marine gastropod shell, characterized by its elongate-ovate to subcylindrical shape. It features a moderately elevated, pointed spire and a long, narrow aperture. The columella typically exhibits a few distinct folds. While historically described as *Olivella pulchella* (Duclos, 1835), this name is now widely considered a junior synonym of *Olivella nivea* (Gmelin, 1791). The shell's surface is remarkably polished, giving it a porcelain-like appearance.
