Austrocochlea porcata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Austrocochlea porcata |
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The zebra top snail, also known by its scientific name Austrocochlea porcata, is a type of sea snail. It's a medium-sized mollusc that lives in the ocean. This snail belongs to the family Trochidae, which are often called top snails or top shells because of their shape.
About Its Shell
The shell of the zebra top snail can be between 20 millimeters (about 0.8 inches) and 43 millimeters (about 1.7 inches) long. It has a cool pattern of black and white stripes. These stripes are on top of a light grey or white shell.
This snail's shell looks a lot like another snail called the southern ribbed top snail (Austrocochlea constricta). For a long time, scientists thought they were the same species. However, the zebra top snail's shell opening (called the aperture) is not as wide. Also, a small bump inside the shell, called the columellar tubercle, is barely there in the zebra top snail.
Where It Lives
This marine species is found only in Australia. You can find it along the coast from Central Queensland all the way to West Australia. It also lives off the coast of Tasmania.
See Also
- Trochidae
