Spotted Moonsnail
NameSpotted Moonsnail
Scientific NameNaticarius canrena
Common NameSpotted Moonsnail
FamilyNaticidae
GenusNaticarius
Speciescanrena
Geographic DistributionWestern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina (USA) south to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeglobose
Average Size (mm)25-60 mm (with some specimens reaching up to 75 mm)
Identifying FeaturesGlobose shape, smooth and glossy surface, low spire, large body whorl, and characteristic reddish-brown spots or bands. The umbilicus is often partially or completely filled by a funicular callus.
Dietcarnivore
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Linnaeus, 1758)
Description
A medium-sized marine gastropod shell, typically globose to subglobose, with a smooth, glossy surface. It features a low spire and a large, inflated body whorl. The shell is characterized by its distinctive color patterns, often with reddish-brown spots or bands on a lighter background. This specimen shows a pale orange/pinkish-tan base color with faint reddish-brown streaks.
