How big is the Giant Triton?

Giant Triton (Charonia tritonis) reaches 25–50 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Giant Triton?

Giant Triton is found between 2–40 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Giant Triton?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Giant Triton?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean.

Giant Triton (Charonia tritonis)

Key facts

Scientific name: Charonia tritonis
Common name: Giant Triton
Category: Molluscs
Family: Charoniidae
Genus: Charonia
Size: 25–50 cm
Depth: 2–40 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: coral-reef, rocky-reef
Behaviours: benthic, solitary, nocturnal, slow-mover
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean

Description

Charonia tritonis reaches 50 cm. Giant gastropod (Mollusca). Enormous spiral shell, orange-brown-white patterns. Unique natural predator of Acanthaster (reef-destroying crown-of-thorns). Nocturnal, slow glide on rocky-coral bottoms. Chemical prey detection via siphon. Intensive fishing caused near-extinction = LC threatened locally. Red Sea reintroduction program crucial. Reefs 2-40 m. Restoration key.

Photo of Giant Triton

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Giant Triton?: Giant Triton (Charonia tritonis) reaches 25–50 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Giant Triton?: Giant Triton is found between 2–40 m deep.
Is the Giant Triton dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Giant Triton?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Giant Triton?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean.

Other species in the genus Charonia

Charonia variegata - Variegated Triton

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 141102)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5192644)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia