Size: Up to 14mm high; 5mm broad Shape: Relatively tall shell with the last whorl making up about 60% of the total shell height. Has a short but wide siphonal canal and broad anal siphon. Colour: White, yellow brown or nearly orange; the costae tend to be paler. Sculpture: Possesses costae (7-9 on the last whorl) and spiral ridges (25-30 on the last whorl) which often appear slightly beaded. Animal: White with yellow spots. There are two cephalic tentacles with an eye about two thirds along each. No operculum on foot.
Ecology and behaviour
Live on sandy bottoms from 10-30m depth where they probably feed on small polychaetes.
Distribution and status
Found all around the UK with the exception of the southern North Sea and eastern English Channel.
References and links
- Graham, A. 1988. Molluscs: Prosobranch and Pyramidellid Gastropods. London.