Size: length of the shell between 50 mm and 165 mm.

 

Key Features: The large, ponderous, shell has a conical shape, appearing sub-perforate. It is covered by a corneous striate, brown or yellowish cuticle usually lost on the upper whorls. Its colour beneath the cuticle is white, longitudinally striped with crimson, violet or reddish brown. The base of the shell is maculate or radiately strigate with a lighter shade of the same. The spire is strictly conical. The apex is acute, usually eroded. The shell contains 8-10 whorls. 

 

Diet: seaweed and algae

 

Habitat: found in shallow coral reefs.

 

Conservation status: Not Evaluated

 

Distribution in GoK: reported along the coast of Paga, Boria, Chank, Noru, Bhaidar, Chusana, Gandiya kadu, Panero, Okha, Shan-ni-ani, Ajad, Vudakuda, Goose, Dedeka-Mundeka, Kalubhar, Narara, Beyt Dwarka and Pirotan region.

 

 

 

 

 

References:

Tryon (1889), Manual of Conchology XI, Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia

 

Trochus niloticus. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved on June 16, 2014 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tectus_niloticus

 

 

Photo Courtesy

H.Zell. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.