Marine Biology (2+1)

Polinices melanostomus (Gmelin)

Species: Polinices melanostomus (Gmelin)

Family : Naticidae

Common Name : Blackmouth moon snail

Habitat : Shallow sandy bottom

Description: Shell relatively thin, elongtely ovate. Spire low, body whorl is large and the aperture very large. Shell characterized by a thick, long dark brown parietal callus which almost conceals the umbilicus. Very fine axial striations cover the shell. The dorsal side is cream with broad ligh anddark brown bands encircling the body whorls. Aperture ivory with external pattern showing through.

Size : 50mm.

The dark brown parietal callus gives it the specific and the common name.