Phasianotrochus eximius
Giant kelp shell
Phasianotrochus eximius, Photo: Rick Stuart-Smith
Distribution
Temperate Australasia
Description
Distinguished from several other elongate conical species in the genus Phasianotrochus by the relatively thin lip, acutely pointed spire, iridescent green aperture and thin spiral lines around the shell. The khaki green of the live shell turns red on beach-washed specimens because of the partial breakdown of the shell pigment. The species occurs abundantly on seaweeds in pools and protected bays on exposed coasts.
Information
Max Size: 4 cm
Sea Temperature Range: 10.6-22.7°C
Depth: 0-8m
Habitat Generalization Index: N/A
Also referred to as the SGI (Species Generalisation Index), this describes the habitat niche breadth of the species. Species with values less than 15 are found in a relatively narrow range of reef habitat types (specialists), while those over 25 may be found on most hard substrates within their range (generalists). Learn more here.
Conservation and Rarity
IUCN Status: Not Evaluated
Occurrence: Infrequent (9.3% of sites)
Occurrence describes how often the species is found on surveys within its distribution. It is calculated as the % of reef sites surveyed by RLS divers across all the ecoregions in which the species has been observed
Abundance: Few (2 per transect)
Abundance is calculated as the average number of individuals recorded per RLS transect, where present.
Edit by: GJ Edgar. 2008. Australian Marine Life. New Holland, Sydney