DIVE.EXPLO360.FRObserve, understand, share
Diver services

You can also access AMIGANSEAU diver services. Sign in to these services with your email address and pairing code.

trouve-MOIIdentify an encounterExplorariumKeep and share your dive memories
ShopAMIGANSEAU ACCESS ↗
Partners and information

Contact us

Verification code

Red-mouthed rock shell

Distribution : Mediterranean

The red-mouthed rock shell can remain in contact with a shellfish for a long time while feeding. This boring predator uses attached animals on rocky shores. Its position and that of its prey reveal activity made inconspicuous, but no less real, by its slow movement.

Habitat of Red-mouthed rock shell Habitat
Rocky habitat
Depth range of Red-mouthed rock shell Depth
0-3 m
Biological group of Red-mouthed rock shell Group
Ecological role of Red-mouthed rock shell Role
Predator

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Its shell measures about four to eight centimetres. It is swollen, with a fairly low spire and a large final whorl carrying bumps rather than large spines.

The broad oval opening is orange-red. An operculum, a piece attached to the foot, closes the shell when the body withdraws. Attached organisms may partly hide the external sculpture.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It mainly inhabits coastal rock, often in the first few metres, at wave-exposed sites. Deeper populations are also known.

Shelter availability and water movement influence its activity conditions alongside prey abundance.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It eats mussels, barnacles and limpets, among other prey. It can bore through their protection using its radula, a band of tiny teeth, and secretions.

A meal therefore often takes place on fixed prey. A motionless rock shell is not necessarily resting.

GO FURTHER WITH AMIGANSEAU

Unlock the full profile

Deepen your knowledge with the exclusive chapters and interactive resources included in an AMIGANSEAU licence.

Choose my licence
  • HOW DOES IT REPRODUCE?
  • OUR OBSERVATIONS
  • ARTICLE

Also included in the full profile

  • Advanced navigation between description, ecological context, observations and behaviour
  • Interactive food chain to explore the species’ feeding relationships
An active licence gives access to enriched profiles and AMIGANSEAU exploration tools.
Red-mouthed rock shell

🧠 Understand the species

What is this species’ ecological role?

AMIGANSEAU Explorer Premium

Access enriched species profiles with advanced content (audio, infographics and detailed articles).

Explore all species easily through a single interface.

Enjoy a smooth, fast learning experience suited to every level.

🔒 The full profile is available with a paid subscription only.

Discover licences

POURSUIVRE L’EXPLORATION

Explore further

ArticleMarine Life, a World of RolesRead the article →ArticlePHYLA WITHOUT THE FUSSRead the article →