Coralliophila violacea
Coralliophila violacea, known as the violet coral shell or purple coral snail, is a species of sea snail in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails.
Description
Shells of C. violacea are typically bulbous with an off-white exterior and a violet aperture. The shell size varies between.Like other members of its genus, C. violacea feeds on the living tissue of various corals. It is found in association with reef-building corals such as Porites.
Purple coral snails are protandrous hermaphrodites. Females produce oval egg sacs and retain them within the mantle cavity; fertilization and brooding occur internally. Larger shell size in females is associated with higher fecundity.