Shark Eye Moon Snail (Alternate name: Shark Eye, Atlantic Moon Snail)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Littorinimorpha, Family: Naticidae, Genus: Neverita, Species: Neverita duplicata · Naticidae (Moon snail family) · Gastropod univalve whole shell with a globular, rounded shape
Species
Neverita duplicata
Shell Type
Gastropod univalve whole shell with a globular, rounded shape
Family
Naticidae (Moon snail family)
Size
Approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, which is on the smaller side of average for this species. Adults typically range from 1 to 3 inches.
Color & Pattern
The exterior exhibits a smooth, polished surface with a muted greyish-white or light tan base coloration. The colors are somewhat sun-bleached, typical of beach-worn specimens. The characteristic dark purple-brown umbilicus area is partially obscured in this angle.
Rarity
Common
Habitat
Inhabits sandy intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, often buried just beneath the surface of sand flats, sandbars, and shallow bays in marine environments.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico, including the Caribbean.
Description
A smooth, globular marine snail shell with a low spire and a large body whorl. The surface is polished and tactile, featuring faint growth lines. While the classic dark callus covering the umbilicus is not directly visible in this view, the overall compact and rounded profile is unmistakable.
Key Features
Rounded globular shape, low flattened spire, smooth porcelain-like texture, and a large body whorl designed for burrowing.
Collector Value
Very common and widely collected by beachcombers, typically of low monetary value (under a few dollars) but a staple for amateur shell collections.
Condition Notes
Good condition overall, intact whole shell with minor surface wear and sun-bleaching. Collectibility grade is Good.
Interesting Facts
Moon snails are predatory carnivores that drill circular holes into the shells of other bivalves using an acidic secretion and their radula to feed on the soft tissue inside. They are capable of wrapping their muscular foot around prey much larger than themselves.
Ecological Role
Acts as an apex predatory snail in benthic sandy communities, helping to control bivalve populations. Their egg masses, known as sand collars, are a familiar sight on coastal beaches.
Similar Species
Atlantic Natica (Natica pusilla) and other moon snail species in the Naticidae family, which are generally smaller or exhibit more pronounced spiral band patterns.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along sandy beaches at low tide, especially after storms or strong wave action. Search the wet sand for small rounded humps or 'sand collars' which indicate where moon snails lay their egg masses.