Mo.116 Trochus (Turbo)
Phylum:
Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Order: Trochida
Family: Trochidae
Genus: Trochus
Description
Trochus is
a genus of
medium-to large-sized, top-shaped sea snails with
an operculum, of the family Trochidae,
the top snails. When the
word Trochus is used
in reference to fishing sea snails for commercial purposes, the usual species
targeted is Tectus niloticus, which is valued for its nacre or mother of
pearl layer, which was traditionally made into items such as pearl buttons and
jewelry. Sea snails in the
genus Trochus have large, thick, solid shells that have a broadly
conical spire and a flat to convex base. The
periphery is angulated. The outer and
basal lips are smooth within. The columella has a strong fold above,
ending in an obtuse tooth below. The
interior of the shell is pearly and iridescent because
of a thick layer of nacre (mother of pearl).
IUCN Status: Not evaluated
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