Home > Invertebrates > Shells > Periwinkles > Melampus castaneus

Updated 2/9/2026

Family Ellobiidae

INDO-WEST PACIFIC / HAWAII

Melampus castaneus



Kapoho Point, Kailua, Oahu

Koke'e Beach, Oahu

 

Moku o Loe, Kaneohe Bay, Oahu

COFFEE BEAN   PŌLEHO

Common under stones or rubble in the intertidal zone among fresh water seeps.  Brown, sometimes with narrow yellow spirals, or in rare instances entirely yellow.   Attains 0.5 inch, 12 mm.  South Africa to Japan, Hawaii, and Rapa Nui.