About Alcithoe arabica (Gmelin, 1791)
The shells of Alcithoe arabica grow to a height of 75โ225 millimetres (3.0โ8.9 in) and reach up to 88 millimetres in width. The shells are typically large, solid, and fusiform, with relatively weak tubercles on the shoulder of the body whorl. The shell aperture is tall, with a thickened, rounded outer lip. The outer shell surface is yellowish-white with chestnut-colored zig-zag markings, which form five distinct bands across the body whorl. These markings were historically thought to resemble Arabic writing, which is how the species got its name. A. arabica does not have an operculum. Individual snails have a large foot that ranges in color from grey to brown, flecked with purple and orange markings. This species is endemic to New Zealand. These sea snails live in subtidal waters on soft sediment substrates. They are capable of moving fairly quickly across soft substrate. They feed on bivalves, which they smother using their large foot. This species lays rounded, thin-shelled eggs on stones or other shells.
