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Snail, Red Top

Micrelenchus purputeus

Invertebrate

Mollusca

Gastropoda

Trochidae

Rocky Shore Intertidal
Rocky Shore Intertidal
Rocky Reef Subtidal
Rocky Reef Subtidal

Feeding:
Grazer Feeder
Grazer Feeder
Distribution:
North Island
North Island
Edibility:
Inedible
Inedible
Size:
Coin Sized
Coin Sized



A small cone shaped shell with slanting lines across the shell and sometimes red streaks. The inner part of the shell is shiny pink and the foot and mantle are also pink.


Usually found on large kelp plants from low tide to sub-tidal. Mainly found in the North Island but can extend as far south as Christchurch.


They are grazers on algae.




Photo Credit: Rod Morris. Photos available from www.rodmorris.co.nz