Tectonatica violacea
NameTectonatica violacea
Scientific NameTectonatica violacea
Common NameViolet Moon Snail
FamilyNaticidae
GenusTectonatica
Speciesviolacea
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas such as Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeglobose
Average Size (mm)Typically ranges from 15 to 30 mm in shell height, though some specimens may reach up to 40 mm.
Identifying FeaturesKey identifying features include the globose, smooth shell with its characteristic wavy, dark reddish-brown axial patterns. The large, enveloping foot of the living animal, often displaying dark transverse bands, is also a strong indicator. Like other moon snails, it possesses a calcareous operculum (though not visible in this image) and is adapted for burrowing.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(G.B. Sowerby II, 1846)
Description
The image displays a living specimen of Tectonatica violacea, a species of moon snail, actively moving across a sandy-gravelly seabed. Its shell is globose and smooth, featuring a distinctive pattern of wavy, dark reddish-brown lines against a creamy white to pale brown background. The large, fleshy foot of the snail is extended, partially enveloping the shell, and exhibits prominent dark transverse bands, which are characteristic of this species and genus within the Naticidae family. The animal's overall appearance suggests it is well-adapted for burrowing in soft substrates.
