Thaisella trinitatensis
NameThaisella trinitatensis
Scientific NameThaisella trinitatensis
Common NameTrinidad Rock Snail
FamilyMuricidae
GenusThaisella
Speciestrinitatensis
Geographic DistributionWestern Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea, particularly around Trinidad, Venezuela, and Colombia. Its range may extend to other parts of the Lesser Antilles and Central America.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)15-30
Identifying FeaturesRobust, ovate-conical shell with a moderately high spire; strong spiral sculpture often adorned with nodules or axial ribs; relatively wide aperture; typically found in intertidal zones on hard substrates. The overall shape and sculpture are key identifiers.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Guppy, 1869)
Description
Thaisella trinitatensis is a species of predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails. The shells are robust, ovate-conical, and typically found attached to hard substrates in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. The image shows several individuals encrusted on a wooden piling, characteristic of their preferred habitat.
