General Description

Pheasant Shells are one of the most beautiful shells in southern Australia, with many subtle variations in their colour patterns. Shell smooth and shiny, an elongated turban shape with a long pointed spiral end (spire) and rounded, wide final whorl. Deep groove between shell whorls. Shell patterns are highly variable of fine stripes and spiral bands in cream, pink, brown and red. Aperture tear-drop shaped with white edging. Operculum (shelly flap covering aperture) a solid white oval, pointed at one end. Shell typically up to 6 cm long, some individuals up to 10 cm long.

Biology

Pheasant Shells graze on seaweeds and seagrasses. Fertilisation is external, occurring in the water column. Planktonic larvae hatch from the eggs a day after they are fertilised.

Distribution

Southern mainland Australia and Tasmania.

Habitat

Sheltered environments among fronds of seaweeds and seagrasses, just below low tide level to 5 m depth.

More Information