Fimbriate Helmet

Cassis fimbriata

Cassis fimbriata - Fimbriate Helmet
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Size: 15 cm

Distribution: All SA coastal and gulf waters

Habitat: Rocky reef, hides under sand during day

Depth: Lower intertidal to 10+ metres

Usually buried in sand during the day, this large snail emerges at night to feed on invertebrates, including sea urchins. Its large shell is wide but relatively short, with an especially short spire. This species has distinct subsutural ribs that smooth out towards the dorsal surface of each whorl, to subtle undulations. It is a light brown or peach in colour, interrupted by broken spiral lines which alternate between white and darker brown.