Purple Coral Shell
Coralliophila violacea
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: 0–41 m
- For divers: safe
A small purple snail that lives clamped onto living coral, the purple coral shell settles firmly on heads of Porites in tide pools and deeper water alike. Rather than grazing freely it feeds on the coral it sits upon, drawing nourishment from its host.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Mollusca › Gastropoda › Neogastropoda › Muricidae › Coralliophila
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 208125.
FAQ
- How deep does the Purple Coral Shell live?
- The Purple Coral Shell (Coralliophila violacea) is typically found at 0–41 m.
- Is the Purple Coral Shell dangerous to divers?
- The Purple Coral Shell is harmless to divers.