Haustrum haustorium
Kaio
Kaio
Snail-Whelk, Dark Rock
Invertebrate
Mollusca
Gastropoda
Muricidae
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