Turbo saxosus
NameTurbo saxosus
Scientific NameTurbo saxosus Wood, 1828
Common NameSaxose Turban, Rock Turban
FamilyTurbinidae
GenusTurbo
Speciessaxosus
Geographic DistributionEastern Pacific Ocean, from Baja California, Mexico, south to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeturbinate
Average Size (mm)50
Identifying FeaturesRobust, nodulose shell; low spire; and a thick, calcareous operculum with a prominent spiral pattern.
Raritycommon
Author CitationWood, 1828
Description
A robust, medium-sized marine gastropod, commonly known as the Saxose Turban or Rock Turban. Its shell is heavy, turbinate, and often covered with nodules or tubercles, typically mottled in dull colors like brown, green, and grey, and frequently encrusted with epibionts. A distinguishing feature is its thick, calcareous operculum, which is white to yellowish-green and exhibits a prominent spiral sculpture. It inhabits rocky intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, where it grazes on algae.
