Introduced Species

For other Molluscs

There are several sea snails found at the Marine Discovery Centre. These are described below.

Austrocochlea constricta - Rib top Snail Picture: MDC

Habitat: Sheltered, moderately exposed shores; intertidal Distribution: WA to NSW and around Tasmania Maximum Size: Height to 25 mm Diet: Graze on algae Comments:  Prominent spiral ridges on shell. Off-white shell colour.

Phaesianella australis - Pheasant Snail Picture: MDC

Habitat: Sheltered algae, seagrass; 0 - 5 m depth Distribution: WA to Victoria and around Tasmania Maximum Size: Height to 100 mm Diet: Graze on algae Comments:  This species is abundant and well known to shell collectors.

Maoricolpus roseus - NZ Screw Shell (CSIRO, 1996)

Habitat: Silt, sand; 3 - 50 m depth Distribution: Eastern Tasmania to NSW, New Zealand Maximum Size: Height to 90 mm Diet:  Comments:  This species was introduced to Tasmania approximately 80 years ago (with live shipments of oysters) and now is hugely abundant. The live and dead shells carpet the sea floor, changing the habitat and therefore creating a threat to local species. Click here for more introduced species

Cabestana splengleri - Cabestana Snail Picture: MDC

Habitat: Sheltered and moderately exposed reef; 0 - 20 m depth Distribution: SA to QLD and around Tasmania Maximum Size: Height to 150 mm Diet: Ascideans Comments:  This is a common snail with strong ridges and nodges on the shell.

Pleuroploca australasia - Red Foot Snail Picture: MDC

Habitat: Sheltered and moderately exposed reef, sand; 0 - 100 m depth Distribution: WA to NSW and around Tasmania Maximum Size: Height to 150 mm Diet: Marine Invertebrates Comments:  Large brown shell, bright red foot. Active predator.

Penion mandarinus - White Foot Snail Picture: MDC

Habitat: Sheltered and moderately exposed sand, silt; 0 - 600 m depth Distribution: SA to NSW and around Tasmania Maximum Size: Height to 180 mm Diet: Molluscs Comments:  Can be mistaken with Pleuroploca bit differs with the cream foot (instead of red). Active predator.