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Calliostoma ligatum
Calliostoma ligatum (Gould, 1849)
Blue topsnail
Calliostoma ligatum
photo by Coltro, Marcus

Family:  Calliostomatidae ()
Max. size:  2.5 cm SHD (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthic; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific and the Arctic: from Alaska to Mexico. Subtropical to polar.
Diagnosis:  Description: Shell has 3 whorls; chocolate brown with iridescent gold spiral ridges; the inner edge of the empty shell is iridescent blue. The foot regularly discharges a mucous layer on the shell which apparently makes the animal more difficult for predators to grasp (Ref. 312).
Biology:  It has a shell size of 3 cm (Ref. 312). Occurs in low intertidal to subtidal levels (Ref. 312). Commonly found in rocky areas and kelp beds (Ref. 95344). Omnivorous, feeding on hydroids, detritus and diatoms (Ref. 312).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans: 
Country info:   
 

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