Figured: S M Smith
Height: 35 mm

Locally very common, living on sand, muddy gravel or maerl (not on rock) from low water to just offshore. Juveniles occasionally found amongst weed washings. The shells are usually white or weathered to grey, pink markings being rare in this area, but the species grows very large, to 45mm basal diameter. Littoral and inshore specimens support tufts of algae and zoophytes, deeper ones have barnacles. Feeds on micro-organisms and detritus. Dead shells widespread. Many old records.
Collections: NHM, NMI, NMSZ, NMW, UM

Copyright © Shelagh Smith & Julia Nunn