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Snail, Top-Shell, Small Black (Micrelenchus huttonii)

Micrelenchus huttonii

Invertebrate

Mollusca

Gastropoda

Trochidae

Rocky Shore Intertidal
Rocky Shore Intertidal
Sandy/Muddy Shore Intertidal
Sandy/Muddy Shore Intertidal

Feeding:
Grazer Feeder
Grazer Feeder
Distribution:
New Zealand
New Zealand
Edibility:
Inedible
Inedible
Size:
Coin Sized
Coin Sized



A small conical shell that is bluish black in colour. The tip is often worn to white and the outer edge of the shell opening is black. The shell may have spiral ribs.


Found on mudflats and tidal pools on protected shores. Common in mid to low tide zone.


Grazes on microalgae


This is the only member of this genus that extends into the intertidal areas of harbours and estuaries.


Was Cantharidus huttonii


NZ Coastal Marine Invertebrates; Vol 1
Photo Credit: Rod Morris. Photos available from www.rodmorris.co.nz