Melanella augur

Melanella augur
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Size: 1.2 cm

Distribution: All SA coastal and gulf waters

Habitat: Parasitic on unknown echinoderm host

Depth: Lower intertidal and shallow subtidal

Snails of the genus Melanella are parasitic, living on or sometimes inside their echinoderm hosts. This species has not yet been observed in association with its host, and as a result, not much is known of the living organism. The shell is a glossy opaque white, with straight or weakly convex whorls, although the spire is usually bent towards the apex.