Cymatium aquatile

Atlantic hairy triton
Cymatium aquatile
Linnaeus, 1758

Description:
The shell has a blunt conical spire, with weak knobs. The opening extends far down, thus making the last winding appear to be larger. Over the outer shell is a soft skin-like layer with hair-like protrusions, called the periostracum. The living animal is white with dark, round spots. Color of the shell is usually brown.
Size: the shell can reach up to 10 cm.

Habitat:
The animal lives on coral reefs.
Depth: ranges from 6 m down to 25 m.

Distribution:
Occasional all over the Caribbean.

Remarks:
In most countries it is illegal to bring back these shells from holidays.

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