Animal Species:Black Nerites
This species is hard to miss when visiting the rocky shores of Sydney.
Black Nerite Nerita atramentosa
Dr Isobel Bennett
© Australian Museum
Identification
Black Nerites have a thick black shell and white underside. Their strong shell allows them to withstand large waves.
Size range
2.8 cm
Distribution
The Black Nerite is found in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.
Habitat
The Black Nerite lives on intertidal rocky shores.
Mating and reproduction
Black Nerites form dense clusters in moist areas. Being close together traps moisture between them and also enables sperm transfer.
Classification
- Species:
- atramentosa
- Genus:
- Nerita
- Family:
- Neritidae
- Class:
- Gastropoda
- Phylum:
- Mollusca
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
Last Updated:
Tags gastropoda, invertebrates, snails, wildlife of sydney, identification,
