Turbinate monodont (Phorcus turbinatus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Phorcus turbinatus
- Common name
- Turbinate monodont
- Category
- Molluscs
- Family
- Trochidae
- Genus
- Phorcus
- Size
- 2–3 cm
- Depth
- 0–3 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky
- Behaviours
- herbivorous
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Phorcus turbinatus is a small top-shell of 2 to 3 cm, conical brown-purple shell with zebra-like markings. Very common on intertidal rocks of the Mediterranean. Grazer of microalgae. Its empty shells are frequently reused by the hermit crab Clibanarius erythropus. Gregarious, sometimes dozens per square meter.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Turbinate monodont?
- Turbinate monodont (Phorcus turbinatus) reaches 2–3 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Turbinate monodont?
- Turbinate monodont is found between 0–3 m deep.
- Is the Turbinate monodont dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Turbinate monodont?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Turbinate monodont?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Similar species
- Aliger gigas - Queen conch
- Chromodoris magnifica - Magnificent chromodoris
- Octopus vulgaris - Common octopus
- Hypselodoris picta - Painted hypselodoris
- Felimida purpurea - Purple doris
- Metasepia pfefferi - Flamboyant Cuttlefish
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 689179)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 7871052)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia