General Description

Low conical shape with a relatively flat base and ridges running down the outside. Shell exterior cream sometimes with dark brown coloured streaks. Shell opening (aperture) dark brown within. Another species of Bembicium is more common on exposed ocean coasts but it has more numerous darker stripes. Usually around 1.5 cm.

Biology

This marine snail is herbivorus, feeding on sessile (stationary) algae in intertidal reef environments.

Distribution

Only occurs in south-eastern Australia including eastern and southern Tasmania.

Habitat

Marine; intertidal zone among rocks and seaweed, usually on low energy coastlines including mangrove swamps.

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