About Micrelenchus purpureus (Gmelin, 1791)
Micrelenchus purpureus was originally described in Latin under the name Trochus texturatus. The shell of this species measures between 16 mm and 32 mm in length. It has a solid, conical, imperforate shell that lacks an umbilicus. The shell base color is ashy-gray, tinted with green or rose, and has a cancellated (latticed or cross-hatched) texture formed by spiral cords marked with rose spots and thin incremental lamellae. The spire holds 7 scarcely convex whorls, and the body whorl is sub-angulate, or slightly cornered. The aperture is rounded and expanded toward the anterior. The columella is rounded, while the outer lip is sloping and sharp. The interior of the shell is pearly and iridescent. This species grazes on seaweed. This marine species is found off the North Island and South Island of New Zealand.
