Ribbed Mitre (or Beaded Mitre / Nutmeg Mitre)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Subclass: Caenogastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, Family: Costellariidae, Genus: Vexillum · Costellariidae (Ribbed Mitres) · Gastropod (snail/univalve), whole shell with a high, elongated spiral shape.
Species
Vexillum sp. (likely Vexillum rugosum or Costellaria species)
Shell Type
Gastropod (snail/univalve), whole shell with a high, elongated spiral shape.
Family
Costellariidae (Ribbed Mitres)
Size
Approximately 12-18 mm in length based on human fingers for scale. This is typical for small Vexillum species, which generally average between 10-25 mm.
Color & Pattern
Muted cream-to-tan background with axial brown or grayish-brown bands/stripes following the ribs. The color appears natural though slightly weathered by sand action.
Rarity
Common to Uncommon depending on local habitat; frequently overlooked due to its small size.
Habitat
Shallow tropical to subtropical marine waters, typically found in intertidal sand flats, coral sand, and seagrass beds.
Geographic Range
Indo-Pacific region, widely distributed from East Africa to Polynesia and southern Japan.
Description
A small, elegant fusiform shell featuring strong vertical (axial) ribs crossed by fine spiral grooves, creating a reticulated or beaded sculpture. The aperture is narrow with characteristic plications (folds) on the columella.
Key Features
High spire with prominent axial ribs, narrow aperture, and distinct columellar folds characteristic of Costellariidae.
Collector Value
Low monetary value ($1 - $5 USD), but prized by micro-shell enthusiasts for its intricate sculpturing.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The protoconch/tip appears intact, lip shows minor beach wear, sculpture and pattern remain crisp and clearly defined.
Interesting Facts
Members of this family are active predatory sea snails that hunt small invertebrates in the sand, using a specialized proboscis.
Ecological Role
Predatory carnivore in sand substrate communities, keeping small worm and invertebrate populations in check.
Similar Species
Mitra mitra (larger and smoother with red spots), Vexillum sanguisuga, or species from the family Nassariidae (mud snails).
Beach Finding Tips
Best found by sifting through fine shell drift near the low tide line or around coral reef flats at low tide.