Zebra Nerite, Zebra Periwinkle
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Cycloneritida, Family: Neritidae, Genus: Puperita, Species: Puperita pupa (Linnaeus, 1767) · Neritidae (Nerite family) · Gastropod (univalve) with a globular, globose-spiral shape.
Species
Puperita pupa (Confidence Level: 90%)
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve) with a globular, globose-spiral shape.
Family
Neritidae (Nerite family)
Size
Approximately 8-15mm (0.3-0.6 inches). It appears small and typical for the genus.
Color & Pattern
Striking pattern of bold, axial black and white stripes resembling a zebra. The base color is white or creamy-white with slightly wavy, vertical dark brown to black lines.
Rarity
Common in its natural range, though often overlooked due to its small size.
Habitat
Intertidal zone, typically found on rocks, in tide pools, or on mangrove roots in shallow tropical marine waters.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic: South Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and down to the West Indies.
Description
A small, smooth, rounded gastropod with a very low spire. The shell is sturdy for its size, lacking heavy sculpture but possessing a distinctively high-contrast pattern. The aperture is semi-circular with a smooth outer lip.
Key Features
The most diagnostic feature is the 'zebra' striping which is much finer and more regular than other Nerites. It has a smooth, polished surface without the heavy ribs found in 'Nerita' species.
Collector Value
Minimal financial value ($1-$5 USD), but highly valued by amateur collectors for their aesthetic 'graphic' look and small, portable size.
Condition Notes
The specimen shows clear pattern retention. It appears to be a whole shell embedded in a medium (possibly resin or glass). Condition is 'Good' for a display piece as the pattern is sharp.
Interesting Facts
The animal possesses a solid operculum (door) to seal itself in during low tide to prevent desiccation. They are grazers that scrape algae off the rocks at night.
Ecological Role
Important herbivore in the intertidal ecosystem, managing algae growth on rocky substrates and providing food for crabs and shorebirds.
Similar Species
Nerita tessellata (Checkered Nerite) has a more tiled pattern; Puperita tristis is similar but often has more irregular or zig-zagged markings.
Beach Finding Tips
Look in high-tide splash zones on rocky shorelines. They often cluster in damp crevices or under ledges to stay cool during the day.