Military Turban John Turnbull

Military Turban

Large solid marine snail (mollusc) with noticeable rounded spirals (whorls). Generally smooth but some individuals show 2 strongly developed rows of spines on the body; rown or dark green striped patterns on a lighter green/fawn background.

They are fished commercially for human consumption. They are also prized bait for fisherman and can be locally fished out in some areas.

Size

Up to 100 mm long.

Field Guide

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Species: WhatToObserve Image

What to Observe

Search area for 30 minutes and record the following:

  • Abundant: found easily with little searching

  • Frequent: found with minimal searching

  • Rare: only 1 or 2 individuals found with intensive searching

  • Not found: not present during search

Species: WhenAndWhere Image

When and Where

When To Look

  • Throughout the year

Where To Look

  • Tasmania, Victoria, NSW, South Australia, and Western Australia
  • Common on rocky shores particularly in exposed areas and rock pools
  • Shells often wash up on beaches
Species: WhatElse Image

What Else?

Similar Species

It is difficult to confuse with any other mollusc because of its larger size, green to brown pattern and white operculum.