Identification
Shell Morphology: The shell is conical, reaching up to 75 mm in height, and exhibits an off-white coloration, sometimes with yellowish spots. The first two whorls are smooth, while the remaining whorls are rough. Starting from the second whorl, up to the apex, there are scale-like protrusions, forming a saw-tooth pattern. The base of the shell is convex, featuring irregularly arranged whorls. The umbilicus is shallow and contains a plate shaped like a cock’s spur. The shell’s color ranges from dark brown to yellowish-brown.
Biology and Ecology
Feeding Habits: This species feeds on algae that grow on rocks and within coral reefs.
Habitat: It inhabits the intertidal zone, occasionally descending to depths of 10 meters. It typically attaches to coral reefs, rocky reefs, and areas covered with algae. While they live in groups, the number of individuals in each group is generally small.
Distribution
Within Vietnam: Found in Bạch Long Vỹ, Cát Bà (Hải Phòng), Hạ Long Bay, Bái Tử Long Bay (Quảng Ninh); Văn Phong Bay, Hòn Tre, Hòn Miếu, Hòn Nội, Hòn Ngoại (Khánh Hòa); Hòn Trắc, Hòn Tre Nhỏ, Hòn Tre Lớn, Côn Đảo Nhỏ (Côn Đảo); Trường Sa Island; Hòn Gỏi, Hòn Mây Rút, Đất Đỏ Cape (Phú Quốc).
Global: Distributed in countries along the coastlines of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia.
Value
The nacre (mother-of-pearl) from this snail is used for inlay work in paintings. The shells are often polished and utilized in handicrafts and art objects.
Conservation Status
Status: While this species is present across most coral reefs, its distribution is often limited and fragmented. Due to overexploitation, the population has declined by up to 50%, and its habitat has shrunk.
IUCN Status: Endangered (EN A1a,c,d).
Conservation Measures
Protection: Listed in the Vietnamese Red Book (1992). Harvesting should be restricted. The use of explosives in areas with coral reefs inhabited by this species is prohibited, as is the use of anesthetics for fishing in coral reefs.