Prisogaster niger
NamePrisogaster niger
Scientific NamePrisogaster niger
Common NameBlack Top Snail
FamilyTrochidae
GenusPrisogaster
Speciesniger
Geographic DistributionSoutheastern Pacific coast of South America, primarily Chile and Peru.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)20-40 mm in diameter
Identifying FeaturesDark exterior shell, strikingly iridescent blue/purple interior of the aperture, thick white calcareous operculum, turbinate shape, and its specific geographic distribution on rocky intertidal zones.
Raritycommon
Author CitationWood, 1828
Description
Prisogaster niger is a species of marine snail, commonly known as the black top snail. Its shell is characterized by a dark, often black or dark grey exterior, sometimes with subtle spiral patterns. The most striking feature is the interior of its aperture, which displays a vibrant iridescent blue, purple, or silvery-white sheen. It possesses a thick, white, calcareous operculum. This snail is typically found in intertidal and subtidal rocky environments along the Pacific coast of South America.
