Ribbed Top Shell
A medium-sized marine snail (mollusc). They are grey or off-white in colour, with 5 - 6 distinctive ridges spiralling up towards a sharp tip (apex).
Size
25 - 50 mm
Field Guide
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What to Observe
Search area for 30 minutes and record the following:
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Abundant: found easily with little searching
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Frequent: found with minimal searching
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Rare: only 1 or 2 individuals found with intensive searching
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Not found: not present during search
Climate Adaptations
Black Nerites, like all marine snails (molluscs), are under increasing stress due to ocean acidification which can weaken their calcium carbonate shells and reduce body condition. This makes them more prone to disease, predation and low reproduction. Increasing water temperature as a result of climate change will likely affect their abundance and cause a southward shift in their distribution.
When and Where
When To Look
- Throughout the year
Where To Look
- Albany in Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria up to Coffs Harbour in NSW
- Common on rocky shores, from high to mid tide levels
- Usually found in rock pools and wet areas
- Also on estuarine mud flats and in seagrass meadows
What Else?
Similar Species
Zebra Top Shell (Austrocochlea porcata) can also have faint ribs wrapping around the shell but can be distinguished by the black and white striped pattern on their shells that cross them vertically.
