Zebra Nerite / Red Nerite
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Cycloneritida, Family: Neritidae, Genus: Nerita, Species: Nerita pelintha · Neritidae (Nerite family) · Gastropod (snail/univalve), whole shell, spiral shape
Species
Nerita pelintha
Shell Type
Gastropod (snail/univalve), whole shell, spiral shape
Family
Neritidae (Nerite family)
Size
Approximately 1 inch in length, which is average for this species. Adults typically range from 0.75 to 1.5 inches.
Color & Pattern
Vibrant reddish-pink base color overlaid with distinct, contrasting white spiral banding and striations. The colors appear natural and well-preserved with sharp definition.
Rarity
Common, frequently found during dedicated beachcombing on rocky tropical shorelines.
Habitat
Found in marine and intertidal zones, typically inhabiting rocky shores, coral rubble, and tide pools in tropical and subtropical waters.
Geographic Range
Indo-Pacific region, spanning from the eastern coast of Africa through Southeast Asia to the tropical islands of the Pacific.
Description
A robust, globose to oval gastropod shell featuring a low spire and a thick, heavy structure. The surface is adorned with prominent spiral ribs and corded texture, crossed by striking white and red coloration patterns. The aperture is semicircular with a flattened, toothed inner lip.
Key Features
Thick heavy shell structure, low spire, semicircular aperture with denticles on the inner lip, and distinctive spiral banding of red and white.
Collector Value
Moderately collectible and affordable. Highly valued by shell crafters and beginning to intermediate collectors for their bright colors and durability. Generally valued at a few dollars per specimen.
Condition Notes
The shell appears to be in Good to Fine condition with intact structure, well-defined spiral ribs, and vibrant color patterns showing minimal fading or erosion.
Interesting Facts
Nerites possess a strong muscular foot that allows them to cling tightly to wave-swept rocks. They have a calcified operculum (trapdoor) and graze on microalgae using a specialized ribbon-like tongue called a radula.
Ecological Role
Acts as an important herbivore in rocky intertidal ecosystems, controlling microalgae growth and serving as a food source for coastal predators such as crabs and shorebirds.
Similar Species
Nerita undata and Nerita polita. Can be distinguished by specific ribbing patterns, aperture teeth morphology, and coloration details.
Beach Finding Tips
Search rocky intertidal zones, tide pools, and high-tide drift lines on tropical beaches, particularly during low tide after storms.