Bleeding Tooth Nerite (also known as the Blood-toothed Nerite)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Cycloneritida, Family: Neritidae, Genus: Nerita, Species: Pelia peloronta · Neritidae (Nerite family) · Gastropod (univalve) whole shell with a heavy, thick rounded spiral shape
Species
Pelia peloronta (confidence level: high based on characteristic coloration and shape)
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve) whole shell with a heavy, thick rounded spiral shape
Family
Neritidae (Nerite family)
Size
Approximately 0.5 to 0.75 inches, which is typical for an adult of this species. Adults generally range from 0.5 to 1.0 inch in length.
Color & Pattern
Cream to pale yellowish-white base densely patterned with wavy, zig-zagging or spiral lines of dark brown or purplish-black. The most distinctive feature is the bright, vivid crimson-red blotch or staining around the teeth on the inner lip, giving the appearance of a bleeding tooth. The colors are natural and vibrant.
Rarity
Common in appropriate rocky habitats within its natural geographic range.
Habitat
Found primarily in the intertidal zone, clinging tenaciously to exposed rocky shores, limestone cliffs, and coral rubble in the high-splash and mid-tide zones. Marine environment.
Geographic Range
Tropical Western Atlantic, including southern Florida, the Bahamas, the Caribbean Sea, Bermuda, and down to the coast of northern South America.
Description
A robust, globose, and heavy shell with a low spire and a smooth to slightly ridged exterior surface. The aperture is semi-circular with a thickened outer lip and a distinctive flat inner columellar deck featuring two to three prominent tooth-like denticles stained with a striking blood-red color, making it unmistakable among intertidal snails.
Key Features
Heavy globose shape, low spire, distinctive yellowish-white background with dark zigzag bands, and the signature bright red-stained teeth on the inner columellar margin resembling a bleeding tooth.
Collector Value
Very affordable and commonly collected by beachcombers across the Caribbean and Florida, but always appreciated in beginner and intermediate collections for its striking and unique coloration.
Condition Notes
The specimen appears to be in good, intact condition with natural coloration well-preserved, showing minimal wear on the exterior surface. Collectibility grade is Good to Fine.
Interesting Facts
Nerites are remarkably resilient marine snails capable of surviving out of water for extended periods by sealing their operculum tightly. They use a powerful muscular foot to grip rocks against pounding wave action and graze on microalgae using a ribbon-like radula.
Ecological Role
Functions as an important herbivorous grazer in the intertidal zone, controlling microalgal growth on rocks and serving as a food source for coastal predators such as shorebirds and carnivorous crabs. Collection is generally not heavily restricted.
Similar Species
Nerita tessellata (Tessellated Nerite) and Nerita versicolor (Four-rowed Nerite), both of which lack the distinctive bright red teeth and characteristic zigzag color pattern of the Bleeding Tooth.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along rocky shores, limestone outcroppings, and jetty rocks during low tide. They are often found clustered together tightly in crevices or above the waterline in the splash zone.