Variable Telina or Small Horn Snail / Dove Shell (Columbellidae)
Phylum: Mollusca > Class: Gastropoda > Order: Neogastropoda > Family: Columbellidae > Genus: Costoanachis / Columbella · Columbellidae (Dove Snails / Dove Shell family) · Gastropod (univalve snail), complete tiny shell with a high conical spiral shape.
Species
Columbella rustica / Costoanachis sp. (likely juvenile Columbellid dove shell)
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve snail), complete tiny shell with a high conical spiral shape.
Family
Columbellidae (Dove Snails / Dove Shell family)
Size
Extremely small, approximately 3-5 mm in height, resting on a fingertip for scale. This is a juvenile or micro-mollusk specimen; adults of this family typically reach 10-20 mm.
Color & Pattern
Mottled brownish-tan to light cream with fine darker brown axial/transverse chevrons or spiral bands. The aperture lip shows light off-white tone.
Rarity
Common to Very Common, though often overlooked by casual beachcombers due to its minute size.
Habitat
Sublittoral to shallow intertidal marine waters, frequently associated with algae, seagrass beds, gravelly substrate, and rocky crevices.
Geographic Range
Widely distributed across tropical and warm temperate seas, including the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Mediterranean Sea.
Description
A delicate, miniature fusiform-to-conical gastropod shell featuring distinct spiral ridges and fine axial patterning. The spire is elevated and pointed, with a narrow oval aperture visible on the lower ventral face.
Key Features
Conical elevated spire, smooth to weakly ribbed whorls, narrow oval aperture with short siphonal notch, and fine brown-mottled or zigzag pattern.
Collector Value
Low monetary value ($0-$2) due to small size and high abundance, but highly appreciated by micro-mollusk collectors and sand-sorting enthusiasts.
Condition Notes
Good condition for a micro-shell. The overall structure, apex, and aperture remain intact without visible severe beach wear or breakage.
Interesting Facts
Dove snails are small active scavengers and predators that play an important role in marine turf algae ecosystems. Due to their small size, they are often swept into shell sand accumulations.
Ecological Role
Functions primarily as a herbivore and detritivore grazing on microalgae and organic debris; serves as prey for larger crustaceans and fish species.
Similar Species
Cerithium species (Horn shells - usually longer with more whorls), Mitrella species, and Nassarius juveniles (Basket snails - usually possess stronger nodulose sculpture).
Beach Finding Tips
Look in drift lines, wrack lines, or examine fine shell sand under magnification or light skimming after high tide in calm bays.