Turbo squamiger
NameTurbo squamiger
Scientific NameTurbo squamiger
Common NameSquamose Turban
FamilyTurbinidae
GenusTurbo
Speciessquamiger
Geographic DistributionEastern Pacific, from Baja California, Mexico, south to Peru.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeturbinate
Average Size (mm)30
Identifying FeaturesHeavy, thick shell with a globose shape. Distinctive strong sculpture of irregular, prominent nodules or scales (tubercles) covering the surface. Low spire and large body whorl. Often encrusted with epibionts.
Raritycommon
Author CitationReeve, 1843
Description
A medium-sized, heavy marine gastropod shell, characterized by its globose to turbinate shape and robust, nodulose sculpture. The shell surface is typically dull, covered with prominent, irregular bumps, scales, or tubercles, giving it a rough texture. The spire is low, and the body whorl is large and rounded. The color is generally drab, ranging from yellowish-brown to beige, often camouflaged by epibionts like green algae, as seen in the image. This species is a herbivore found in rocky intertidal and subtidal zones.
