Checkered Nerite, Bleeding Tooth relative
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Cycloneritida, Family: Neritidae, Genus: Nerita, Species: Nerita tessellata · Neritidae (Nerite family) · Gastropod (Marine Snail); Spiraled globular shape with a very low spire.
Species
Nerita tessellata (Confidence: 95%)
Shell Type
Gastropod (Marine Snail); Spiraled globular shape with a very low spire.
Family
Neritidae (Nerite family)
Size
Approximately 15-20mm (0.6-0.8 inches). This falls within the typical adult range of 10-25mm for this species.
Color & Pattern
Striking checkered pattern of black or dark grey and white. The base color is dark with squarish white spots arranged in somewhat regular spiral rows. The pattern is natural and crisp, showing little sign of sun-bleaching.
Rarity
Common; frequently found on rocky shorelines and in beach drift near rocky outcrops.
Habitat
Intertidal zone, specifically on rocks in the splash zone or high-tide line. They are highly resilient to wave action and exposure to air during low tide.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic: Florida, Bermuda, and throughout the Caribbean down to Brazil.
Description
A sturdy, thick-walled globular shell with a flat base. The exterior is characterized by numerous coarse spiral ribs which are crossed by fine growth lines. The spire is nearly flat, giving it a rounded appearance. The aperture is large and semi-circular with a thickened outer lip.
Key Features
Checkered black and white pattern; coarse spiral cording/ribs; heavy, thick shell wall; two tooth-like projections on the inner edge of the columellar area.
Collector Value
Low to Moderate; while beautiful and decorative, they are very common. High-quality specimens with perfect patterns are desirable for local biodiversity collections but generally retail for $1-$5.
Condition Notes
The specimen appears to be in 'Fine' to 'Gem' condition. The apex is intact, the sculpture is sharp, and the characteristic pigmentation is vibrant without significant erosion from surf tumble.
Interesting Facts
Nerites have a unique specialized 'teeth' on their columella to help deter predators like crabs. They are also known for their 'homing' behavior, where they return to the exact same crevice in the rocks after feeding.
Ecological Role
Primary consumer; they graze on algae and biofilms on rock surfaces, playing a crucial role in controlling algal growth on tropical shorelines.
Similar Species
Nerita fulgurans (Antillean Nerite) which has finer ribs and more erratic 'lightning' patterns; Nerita peloronta (Bleeding Tooth) which is larger and has a distinct red/orange stain on the teeth.
Beach Finding Tips
Look specifically on large jetty rocks, limestone outcrops, or in 'tide line' debris near rocky coasts at low tide. They are often found huddled together in damp crevices.