Neothais harpa

Neothais harpa, formerly known as Purpura harpa, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails.

Description

Shell sizes vary from medium to large. Known for raised spires and strong sculpture with spiral ridges. Usually multi-colored ranging in colors from light brown to a dark brown complimenting a dark color within the shell. Known as a non-broadcast spawner. Functional group indicated is benthos.

Distribution and habitat

Neothais harpa is endemic to Hawaii in the eastern-central Pacific Ocean. Found in marine environments, typically benthic and tropical. Commonly found basalt shorelines of the windward islands. Life cycle does not include trochophore stage.. Non-threatening to human life. Feeding type is a predatory Uncommon shell.

Human use

Used in lei and possibly bait, unconfirmed.