Rough Star Shell
NameRough Star Shell
Scientific NameLithopoma americanum
Common NameRough Star Shell
FamilyTurbinidae
GenusLithopoma
Speciesamericanum
Geographic DistributionWestern Atlantic Ocean, including the southeastern United States (Florida), the Caribbean Sea, and extending south to Brazil.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapeturbinate
Average Size (mm)Up to 70-80 mm in diameter.
Identifying FeaturesCharacterized by its turbinate shape, often with a flattened base and a rough, nodulose, or spiny surface (though often obscured by epibionts). The calcareous operculum is also a key feature. In the image, the most striking feature is the heavy encrustation, providing excellent camouflage.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Gmelin, 1791)
Description
A marine gastropod shell, heavily encrusted with coralline algae and other epibionts, giving it a rough, lumpy, and somewhat frilly appearance. The underlying shell structure, though largely obscured, appears to be turbinate to trochiform with a relatively low spire and a wide body whorl. The specimen is shown in its natural habitat, likely on a rocky or coralline substrate.
