Bleeding Tooth Nerite (also known as the Common Bleeding Tooth)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Cycloneritida, Family: Neritidae, Genus: Nerita, Species: Nerita peloronta · Neritidae (Nerite family) · Gastropod (univalve), whole shell, spiral shape
Species
Nerita peloronta
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve), whole shell, spiral shape
Family
Neritidae (Nerite family)
Size
Approximately 0.75 inches, which is on the smaller side. Adults typically range from 0.75 to 1.5 inches in length.
Color & Pattern
Pale yellowish-white base featuring zig-zag bands of yellowish-brown and distinctive reddish-pink or orange blotches near the aperture resembling a bleeding tooth. The interior is white with characteristic teeth on the columella.
Rarity
Common
Habitat
Found in the high intertidal zone, clinging to rocky shores, limestone formations, and splash zones where they are exposed to heavy wave action and air.
Geographic Range
Tropical Western Atlantic, including South Florida, the Bahamas, the Caribbean Sea, and down to Brazil.
Description
A sturdy, thick-shelled gastropod with a rounded body whorl and a low spire. The exterior features prominent spiral ridges and striking yellow-and-brown zig-zag patterns. The aperture is heavily toothed on the inner lip, showcasing a vivid reddish coloration that gives the shell its iconic common name.
Key Features
Low spire, thick and heavy construction, spiral ribs on the whorls, flat inner lip with prominent teeth, and the distinct blood-red stain on the columella margin.
Collector Value
Inexpensive and widely available souvenir shell, popular among beginning beachcombers and shell crafters. Typically valued at under $1 for standard specimens.
Condition Notes
Good condition with intact structure and bright natural coloration. Minor wear on the apex, typical of intertidal rock-dwellers. Collectibility grade: Fine.
Interesting Facts
Nerites are exceptionally hardy marine snails capable of surviving out of water for extended periods by sealing their operculum tightly. They graze on microscopic algae using a ribbon-like radula.
Ecological Role
Acts as an important primary consumer and grazer in rocky intertidal ecosystems, helping to control algal growth. Serves as a food source for coastal birds and predatory fish.
Similar Species
Tessellated Nerite (Nerita tessellata) and Four-toothed Nerite (Nerita versicolor), but easily distinguished by the bleeding-tooth red marking and specific columellar teeth.
Beach Finding Tips
Search rocky outcroppings and limestone crevices just above the high tide line during low tide. Look closely in tide pools and spray zones.