Sordid Moon Snail
NameSordid Moon Snail
Scientific NamePolinices sordidus
Common NameSordid Moon Snail
FamilyNaticidae
GenusPolinices
Speciessordidus
Geographic DistributionPrimarily found in Australia (including New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia) and New Zealand. Its range may extend to other parts of the Indo-Pacific.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeglobose
Average Size (mm)30
Identifying FeaturesKey identifying features include its globose, smooth, and glossy shell, low spire, large body whorl, and wide aperture. A characteristic callus often partially or completely fills the umbilicus. The presence of a large, dark operculum and the animal's ability to envelop the shell with its foot are also distinctive.
Dietcarnivore
Raritycommon
Author CitationSwainson, 1821
Description
The Sordid Moon Snail is a medium-sized marine gastropod, characterized by its globose, subglobose, or ovate-conical shell. It features a low spire and a large, inflated body whorl. The shell surface is typically smooth and glossy. The aperture is wide and semi-circular, often with a distinctive callus that partially or completely fills the umbilicus. The animal itself possesses a very large foot, which it uses for burrowing and can extend to envelop the entire shell.
