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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Orange topshell

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean

When observing rocks or seagrass beds, the Orange topshell can sometimes be seen gliding slowly over the substrate. Behind its little colourful shell lies a tireless grazer limiting microalgal growth and contributing to healthy coastal habitats.

Habitat de Orange topshell Habitat
Rocky habitat
Profondeur de Orange topshell Depth
0-20 m
Groupe biologique de Orange topshell Group
Mollusc
Rôle écologique de Orange topshell Role
Predator

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The Orange topshell is a small sea snail rarely exceeding 2 to 3 centimetres. Its conical shell displays a wide variety of colours: orange, yellow, white, sometimes with darker or purplish shades. It is solid and often slightly shiny. Like many molluscs, a small ‘hatch’ called an operculum allows it to close its shell for protection.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It mainly lives on shallow rocky seabeds, often covered in algae, but can also be observed near seagrass beds. It stays attached or moves slowly over the substrate, where it finds food and shelter.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

The Orange topshell feeds by grazing microalgae and organic deposits on surfaces. It uses a radula, a kind of rough tongue allowing it to scrape the substrate.

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Other species — Mollusc

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Same habitat and depth

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Same ecological role and depth

Predatory species

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