Cittarium pica (Linnaeus, 1758)
West Indian top shell
Cittarium pica
photo by FAO

Family:  Trochidae (Top shells)
Max. size:  18 cm SHW (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthic; marine; depth range 0 - 7 m
Distribution:  Western Central Atlantic.
Diagnosis:  Shell large, heavy, conical, with rounded shoulders. Umbilicus deep and round, operculum multispiral, circular. Colour: purple-black on a whitish background; aperture white, internally nacreous; operculum iridescent brown.
Biology:  Stocks have been locally extirpated or are diminishing due to over exploitation (Ref. 355). Shallow subtidal, on rocks and shell rubble (Ref. 355). They are also found in intertidal and offshore coral reefs, particularly on algae, boulder, and coral habitats (Ref. 83934). Herbivore-detritivore. Most feeding seems to occur at night and early morning. Feeds on a wide variety of algae, sand and detritus (Ref. 105349).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans: 
Country info:   
 

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