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Snail, Dark Rock Whelk

Haustrum haustorium

Kaio

Kaio
Snail-Whelk, Dark Rock

Invertebrate

Mollusca

Gastropoda

Muricidae

Rocky Shore Intertidal
Rocky Shore Intertidal

Feeding:
Predator
Predator
Distribution:
North Island
North Island
Edibility:
Rarely Eaten
Rarely Eaten
Size:
Coin Sized
Coin Sized



The shell has a low spire (point), weak spiral groves and large aperature. Dark brown to purple in colour.


Common in the mid to low tide zone on sheltered to moderately exposed locations.


A voracious predator that “leaps” on top of mobile prey like top shells. Also feeds on oysters, small mussels and other snail species.







NZ Coastal Marine Invertebrates; Vol 1