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Snail, Black Top-Shell (Diloma arida)

Diloma arida

Snail-Top, Black (Diloma arida)

Invertebrate

Mollusca

Gastropoda

Trochidae

Rocky Shore Intertidal
Rocky Shore Intertidal

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



This snail is very similar to the other black top snails and they are often found together. This snail is solid, globe like with a blunt spire, flattened sides and an angular outline. The surface is smooth with indistinct spiral lines and is black or puplish black, sometimes grey. It may have a few yellowish white spots. The interior of the shell is a reddish colour and is iridescent.


Common especially in southern NZ. Upper to mid intertidal. Mainly under boulders on semi-exposed to sheltered rocky shores.


It feeds on the microalagal films wich cover the surfaces of rocks and on seaweed.





NZ Coastal Marine Invertebrates; Vol 1