Bleeding Tooth Nerite (also known as Bleeding Tooth Shell)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, Family: Muricidae, Genus: Plicopurpura, Species: Plicopurpura patula · Muricidae (Murex family) · Gastropod (snail/univalve), whole shell, globular-spiral shape
Species
Plicopurpura patula
Shell Type
Gastropod (snail/univalve), whole shell, globular-spiral shape
Family
Muricidae (Murex family)
Size
Approximately 1 inch in diameter, which is on the smaller side for this robust species. Adults typically range from 1 to 2.5 inches.
Color & Pattern
Displays patches of deep, vibrant reddish-pink or magenta intermingled with chalky white and pale yellow areas. The colors appear slightly worn and sun-bleached from wave action and exposure.
Rarity
Common in appropriate rocky habitats, though finding one with such distinct pinkish coloration is a delightful beachcombing discovery.
Habitat
Found on rocky intertidal shores, particularly on wave-swept limestone benches and intertidal rocks where it clings strongly to surfaces.
Geographic Range
Tropical and subtropical Western Atlantic, including the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, southern Florida, and down to South America.
Description
A compact, heavy, and rugged gastropod shell featuring a low spire and a greatly enlarged body whorl. The surface is heavily weathered and pitted with small holes, likely from boring organisms or environmental erosion. The overall form is rounded with an asymmetrical profile.
Key Features
Low spire, large heavy body whorl, rugged exterior texture, and distinctive reddish-pink coloration contrasting against pale white zones.
Collector Value
Low to moderate commercial value. While not a high-priced rarity, it makes an interesting addition to a regional or general shell collection due to its unique color and rugged form.
Condition Notes
Worn and weathered condition (Fair grade). Shows significant surface pitting, erosion, and loss of original fine sculptural details due to rolling in the surf, but retains patches of its striking natural pinkish pigment.
Interesting Facts
Members of the family Muricidae, to which related dogwinkles and rock snails belong, are historically famous for producing a secretion used to create royal Tyrian purple dye.
Ecological Role
Functions as a predatory carnivorous snail in the rocky intertidal zone, feeding on barnacles and other small sessile invertebrates, thus helping to maintain balance in intertidal communities.
Similar Species
Other intertidal rock-dwelling snails such as certain Nerita species or Thais species, which can be distinguished by specific aperture dentition and operculum characteristics.
Beach Finding Tips
Search rocky shorelines, tide pools, and shell lines immediately following storms or high tides, scanning crevices and rocky ledges where intertidal snails seek shelter.