RANELLIDAE (Tritons)

Tritons are variable in size and solidly constructed, often heavily ornamented. The name triton refers to the widely flared lip and opening (like a trumpet). Ranellidae feed on other molluscs and sea urchins. They are widely distributed in warm seas and the tropics.

Spengler’s Triton is sculptured with strong spiral ribs, shoulders strongly nodulose. Outer lip thickened, strongly toothed within. Anterior canal open, short.

Found among rocks and cunjevoi on exposed rocky shores, intertidally and down to 80 m. Common. It can readily be found among cunjevoi, which is its main food, at dead low tide level, and is very common as a beach shell.

Thick and sturdy shell, a tall spire and an elongate body whorl, measuring at least half the height of the shell. The short siphonal canal is slightly curved. White with broad and dark brown bands. Aperture reddish.