Home > Invertebrates > Shells > Nerites > Neripteron cariosum

Updated 5/19/2026

Family Neritidae

HAWAII - FRESHWATER ENDEMIC

Neripteron cariosum 



Windward Oahu (Claire Lager collection)

Eggs, Kanewai Spring, Kuli'ou'ou, Oahu

Kapoho tidepool, Hawaii

PIPIWAI

Locally common on rocks in the lower brackish section of unaltered streams and anchialine pools.  The black domed shell has white flecks, a white aperture, fragile lip, and the operculum has a peg.  Threatened with extinction due to water diversion and streambed alteration.  State law prohibits commercial sale of this edible delicacy.  Attains 1 inch, 25 mm.  Endemic to Hawaii.  Formerly known as Neritina cariosa and Theodoxus cariosus.