Seychelles Moon Shell
NameSeychelles Moon Shell
Scientific NameNatica vitellus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Common NameSeychelles Moon Shell, Vitellus Moon Snail
FamilyNaticidae
GenusNatica
Speciesvitellus
Geographic DistributionWidespread in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Seychelles, East Africa, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Western Pacific.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeglobose
Average Size (mm)30-70
Identifying FeaturesGlobose, smooth, and glossy shell; low spire; large body whorl; characteristic pattern of irregular brown blotches on a pale background. The operculum is calcareous (though not visible in the image).
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Linnaeus, 1758)
Description
A marine gastropod shell, typically globose and smooth with a low spire. It exhibits a glossy surface and a distinctive color pattern of irregular brownish blotches on a pale cream to whitish background. This specimen is characteristic of the Naticidae family, commonly known as moon snails or moon shells.
