Shield Shell
NameShield Shell
Scientific NameUmbraculum umbraculum
Common NameUmbrella Slug, Umbrella Shell, Shield Shell
FamilyUmbraculidae
GenusUmbraculum
Speciesumbraculum
Geographic DistributionWidespread in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including East Africa, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Western Pacific, and extending into parts of the Atlantic Ocean (e.g., Caribbean, Brazil).
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)The entire animal can reach up to 200 mm (20 cm) in length. The shell itself is much smaller, typically ranging from 50 to 100 mm (5 to 10 cm) in length.
Identifying FeaturesLarge, dark, fleshy body with a warty texture; a distinct, relatively small, flattened, oval, limpet-like shell positioned dorsally on the mantle; the shell is often yellowish-brown with concentric growth lines. It is a sea slug that retains a prominent external shell.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Lightfoot, 1786)
Description
A large, marine gastropod mollusc, commonly known as an Umbrella Slug or Umbrella Shell. It is characterized by a prominent, flattened, oval shell positioned dorsally on a large, fleshy, dark-colored mantle. The shell is relatively small compared to the overall body size and is often partially embedded in or covered by the mantle. The animal's body is typically dark brown to black, with a warty or tuberculate texture.
