Black Tegula
ExploreInvertebrate
Black Tegula
tegula funebralis
The Black Tegula is a small, shiny sea snail that loves to hide among rocks. Its smooth, dark shell is not only pretty but also helps protect it from predators!
Habitat: Coastal areas, especially in tide pools and rocky shorelines.
Appearance
The Black Tegula has a sturdy, dark grey to black conical shell, often with a shiny purple-black interior. Its smooth exterior can sometimes show faint spiral lines, differentiating it from rougher shelled snails in its habitat.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassGastropodaOrderTrochidaFamilyTegulidaeGenusTegula
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Ancient coastal peoples sometimes ate Black Tegulas as part of their diet.
Other small creatures might use empty Tegula shells as tiny homes.
The inside of their shell often has a shiny, iridescent purple-black color!
Their shells can get smoother over time from wave action and rubbing against rocks!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Suction Foot
Black Tegulas have a powerful muscular foot that creates strong suction, helping them cling tightly to rocks against strong waves.
Ability
Tough Tidepool Survivor
Black Tegulas can seal their shell openings to trap moisture, helping them survive out of water during low tide.
Ability
Algae Scraper
Black Tegulas use a file-like radula to scrape tiny algae and biofilm off rocky surfaces for food.
Measurements & details
- Average Weight G
- 5 g
- Lifespan Years
- 10 years
- Average Shell Diameter Cm
- 2.5 cm
- Max Shell Diameter Cm
- 3.5 cm
Diet & Feeding
These marine snails munch on tiny plants and decaying bits found on rocks.
Primary Foods
- algae
- diatoms
- biofilm
- detritus
Foraging Method
- Grazing
Ecological connections
eats
ochre sea star
Pisaster ochraceus
A common predator in tide pools.
eats
black oystercatcher
Haematopus bachmani
Birds that pry snails off rocks.
hunts
emarginate dogwinkle
Nucella emarginata
Prey on smaller or injured tegulas.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Also known as
Black Turban SnailDark Tegula
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Black Tegula weigh?
5 g
How long does Black Tegula live?
10 years
What does Black Tegula eat?
These marine snails munch on tiny plants and decaying bits found on rocks.
Where is Black Tegula usually found?
Coastal areas, especially in tide pools and rocky shorelines.
How does Black Tegula hunt?
Grazing
What is the average Shell Diameter Cm of Black Tegula?
2.5 cm
What is the max Shell Diameter Cm of Black Tegula?
3.5 cm
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
_(14271931240).jpg&width=800)
