About Melo miltonis (J.E.Gray, 1833)
Shell description: The shell of Melo miltonis can reach a maximum length of 450 mm (18 in), and has distinctive cream and brown markings. Shells of this species have long been used by Australian peoples to hold or transport water, which is the origin of its common name "bailer"—a name also used for many other volutes in the same genus. This species has a very large foot, covered in concentric patterns that match the cream and brown colors of the shell, and the foot is often used to engulf prey. Distribution: This species is restricted to Southwest Australia. Habitat: Melo miltonis occurs in shallow seagrass beds, on sandy substrate, and around reefs, at depths of up to 20 m (66 ft). Its overall distribution ranges from the Houtman Abrolhos, off the coast of Western Australia, to South Australia.
