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