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Home > Invertebrates
> Shells > Tops & Turbans
> Herpetopoma gemmatum
Updated 10/10/2026
Family
Chilodontidae
INDO-WEST PACIFIC / HAWAII
Herpetopoma
gemmatum
Kaupo, Oahu, 3 feet, 4 mm
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Mokapu, Oahu, 2 feet, 4 mm
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Ewa, Oahu, 50 feet, 4 mm
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GEM TOP
| Common under rocks in shallow
water. Stout, with four inflated whorls and a prominent suture, 10-12 spiral cords with
grooves of equal diameter on body whorl beaded by diagonal axial threads of equal
diameter, columella smooth with a basal tooth, aperture pearly, dark brown
chitonous operculum. Glossy shades of brown or green with red or brown splashes.
Worn shells are white with red spots. The sculpture is variable
among individuals within the same population, leading to a number of
different names applied to these shells, causing confusion. Attains 0.2 inch, 4 mm.
Mascarenes to Okinawa, Hawaii, and southern French Polynesia.
Formerly known within Family Trochidae as Euchelus gemmatus. |
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