Solid shell with about 5 to 6 whorls which are almost flat when viewed from the side. Red brown to black in colour. Up to 30mm in height
Similar species
Ecology and behaviour
Feed by scraping diatoms and other algae and detritus from the rock using a radulaBreeding is concentrated between February and May but may occur outside this. Lay plantonic lens shaped capsules which give rise to veliger larvae that settles after 4 to 7 weeks.
Distribution and status
Abundant through-out the British Isles
Occurs from the Barents Sea to the mouth of the Mediterranean.