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Snail, Purple Top-Shell

Cantharidus purpureus

Invertebrate

Mollusca

Gastropoda

Trochidae

Rocky Reef Subtidal
Rocky Reef Subtidal

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



This is a very similar shell to the Opal top shell, but it is of medium height and the body whorl is more angular. The shell colour is variableand ranges from greenish grey to pink and can be flecked with reddish streaks. It is less shiny than the Opal top shell and is more abundant, although they can be found together.


It lives around large seaweeds in subtidal kelp beds on semi-exposed to exposed coasts.


Grazer.







NZ Coastal Marine Invertebrates; Vol 1.