Micrelenchus purpureus


Micrelenchus purpureus, common name the red opal top shell, is a species of medium-sized sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Trochidae.

Description

The length of the shell varies between 16 mm and 32 mm. It grazes on seaweed.
The conical shell is imperforate and solid. It is ashy-gray, tinged with green or rose, and is cancellated with spiral cords with rose spots and with thin increment lamellae: the spire has 7 whorls, which are scarcely convex, with the body whorl being sub-angulate. The aperture is rounded and expanded anteriorly. The columella is rounded, with the outer lip being sloping and sharp. The interior is pearly and iridescent.

Distribution

This marine species occurs off North Island and South Island, New Zealand.