silver-mouth turban
Namesilver-mouth turban
Scientific NameTurbo argyrostomus
Common Namesilver-mouth turban
FamilyTurbinidae
GenusTurbo
SpeciesTurbo argyrostomus
Geographic DistributionWidespread throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, India, Southeast Asia, Japan, Australia, and various Pacific islands.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapeturbinate
Average Size (mm)Typically ranges from 50 to 100 mm in height, with some specimens reaching up to 120 mm.
Identifying FeaturesThe most distinctive identifying feature is its large, smooth, white, calcareous operculum with a prominent central brown or orange spot. The shell itself is robust, often sculptured with spiral cords and axial ribs, and may have nodules or spines, particularly on the shoulder. The aperture is pearly white.
Raritycommon
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1758
Description
A robust, turbinate marine gastropod shell, characterized by its mottled exterior and a distinctive, smooth, white, calcareous operculum with a central brown spot. It is commonly found in coral reef environments, where it grazes on algae.
