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Scaled
nerite snail
Nerita histrio
Family Neritidae
updated
Oct 10
Where
seen? This
snail with a scaly shell is sometimes seen on some of our rocky shores.
The study by Tan & Clements (2008) found this snail on mangrove
tree trunks and stilt roots; muddy rocks at coastal fringes of mangroves;
among rocky rubble along edge of muddy sand flats; on breakwater rocks.
Sites included: Sarimbun, Pulau Ubin, Pasir Ris, Sungei Loyang, Changi,
Kallang Basin, Marina South, Sentosa, St. John's Island, Pulau Hantu,
Tuas. This snail was previously known as Nerita squamulata.
Features: 2-3cm. Shell sturdy
and rounded, the spire doesn't stick out. The shell is much rougher
than other kinds of nerites as it has horizontal rows of tiny ridges.
Shell colour and patterns are variable. The flat underside is white
and smooth with several tiny 'teeth' near the shell opening, often
with a brownish stain around the 'teeth'. Operculum pinkish evenly
covered in tiny bumps. The animal has fine black stripes and long
thin tentacles.
Sometimes confused with other
similar nerites. Here's a comparison of these similar
nerite snails and how to tell them apart. |

Kusu Island, Mar 06

Tiny 'scales' on the shell.
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Underside.
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Tiny 'teeth' near the shell opening
often with a reddish stain.
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Scaled
nerite snails on Singapore shores

Lazarus Island, Dec 06

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Lazarus Island, Dec 06

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Tuas, May 07

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more
photos of scaled nerite snails on Singapore shores
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