Princely Volute
NamePrincely Volute
Scientific NameCymbiola imperialis
Common NamePrincely Volute
FamilyVolutidae
GenusCymbiola
Speciesimperialis
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, primarily found around the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapefusiform
Average Size (mm)100
Identifying FeaturesLarge size and heavy shell, prominent shoulder spines or knobs, distinctive reddish-brown axial patterns on a lighter background, wide aperture, and the characteristic patterned foot of the living animal.
Raritycommon
Author CitationRöding, 1798
Description
The Princely Volute, *Cymbiola imperialis*, is a large and robust marine gastropod, highly prized by collectors. Its heavy, fusiform shell is characterized by a broad shoulder, often adorned with prominent, blunt, or spiny axial ribs or knobs. The shell's surface typically exhibits a cream to orange-brown background, strikingly patterned with irregular dark reddish-brown axial streaks, blotches, or zigzag markings. The aperture is wide and elongated, usually with a lighter, often cream or pale orange, interior. The living animal, as depicted, has a dark, mottled foot with fine white patterns, which it uses to move across the seafloor.
