Size: Up to 7mm high; 3mm broad Shape: Relatively tall shell with the last whorl making up about 60% of the total shell height. Has a siphonal canal and broad anal siphon. Colour: White to yellow brown. Sculpture: Possesses costae (7-9 on the last whorl) and spiral ridges (16-19) on the last whorl which interact to create a beaded appearance. Animal: White with opaque white marks especially on the back end of the foot and the siphon which may have a brown tint. No operculum on foot.
Ecology and behaviour
Lives on sandy or muddy bottoms from 4 to 60m where it almost certainly feeds on small polychaetes.
Distribution and status
Locally common off most shores around the UK excpt the southern North Sea.
References and links
- Graham, A. 1988. Molluscs: Prosobranch and Pyramidellid Gastropods. London.