Astralium tentorium (Thiele, 1930) TURBINIDAE Low tide, On rocks, Shark Bay, Western Australia, Australia, 35.8mm, F++ Astralium tentorium is one of a few outstanding turbinids that produce vivid blue opercula. The colouration of its operculum is actually quite variable, ranging from blue to a dark purple and even blue ones often carry a tinge of purple near the nucleus. An algae-grazing gastropod inhabiting low tide zone of intertidal areas and shallow subtidal waters to about -5m, it is often found on or under rocks. Endemic to Western Australia and although a locally common shell, it is uncommon in the international shell trade market. The dorsum is generally rough and eroded, but the base is brilliant yellow in colouration with delicate squamose sculpture. Typical shell length around 40mm, very large specimens may exceed 50mm.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 07:49:00 +0000
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