Hawaiian Bleeding Tooth or Nerite shell, specifically the Polka-dot Nerite or similar nerite species
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Cycloneritida, Family: Neritidae, Genus: Nerita, Species: Nerita plicata · Neritidae (Nerite family) · Gastropod, whole shell, globular to hemispherical shape with a low spire
Species
Nerita plicata or Nerita polita (Most likely Nerita plicata)
Shell Type
Gastropod, whole shell, globular to hemispherical shape with a low spire
Family
Neritidae (Nerite family)
Size
Approximately 0.5 to 0.75 inches, which is typical for adult nerites found on Hawaiian shorelines.
Color & Pattern
Predominantly white or cream-colored base with alternating bands or fine reticulated patterns of reddish-brown and orange along the growth lines, showing some natural weathering.
Rarity
Common, frequently encountered by beachcombers exploring rocky shorelines in Hawaii.
Habitat
Intertidal zone, primarily found on high-energy rocky shores, limestone benches, and pebble beaches where they cling tightly to rocks above the waterline.
Geographic Range
Indo-Pacific region, including Hawaii, Polynesia, and across the Indian Ocean to the East African coast.
Description
A sturdy, thick-shelled gastropod featuring coarse spiral ridges and a low, flattened spire. The outer surface is textured with distinct ribs, and the shell is designed to withstand heavy wave action on exposed intertidal rocks.
Key Features
Thick, solid shell structure, prominent spiral ridges or plicae on the outer surface, and a flattened spire with a heavily calcified inner lip (columella) often featuring tiny teeth.
Collector Value
Low to moderate commercial value, commonly collected by amateur beachcombers as souvenirs rather than high-end specimens sought by advanced conchologists.
Condition Notes
Good condition for a beach-worn specimen, showing slight fading of the color pattern and smoothing from wave action, but retaining its core structural integrity. Grade: Good.
Interesting Facts
Nerites are famous for their ability to breathe air using a modified mantle cavity, allowing them to survive out of water for extended periods on dry rocks during low tide.
Ecological Role
Grazing herbivores that feed on microalgae and biofilms covering intertidal rocks, helping to control algal growth and serving as an important food source for shorebirds and predatory fish.
Similar Species
Nerita polita (Polished Nerite), which has a smooth, shiny surface without the prominent spiral ridges of Nerita plicata.
Beach Finding Tips
Search rocky outcroppings, tide pools, and pebble benches just above the surf line during low tide, particularly on windward beaches like Hukilau Beach in Oahu.
Notes
Hukilau Beach Oahu