Mollusca
Nassarius albus
(White Basket Shell)
1. Out of water (Rob Ruzicka)
2. Out of water (Rob Ruzicka)
3. Out of water (Rob Ruzicka)
Size
Small. Shell Length: max: 1.3cm (0.5")
Recognition Characters
Broadly ovate with broad conical spire about half of shell length. Whorls have strong axial ribs. On the last 3 whorls the ribs are strongly angled near middle making whorls appear shouldered. Ribs on body whorl are strongly angled, straight below angle, and convex at the base. Aperture is ovate and outer lip is strongly toothed and ridged within.
Color
White to yellowish-white. Often with a narrow spiral band of brown on middle body whorl and upper whorls.
Habitat & Depth
On sand. To 30m.
Distribution at GRNMS
Abundant. Found in sand, under rock and rubble.
Geographic Range
North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, West Indies
Behavior & Notes
Also known as Variable Dog Whelk.
Synonyms
Abbott 2001