Rosemouth Star Shell

Astralium rhodostomum

Astralium rhodostomum is a thick-shelled sea snail that can reach lengths between 16 mm and 55 mm. Its shell is characterized by flat whorls and solid, hemi-spherical superior nodules located near the suture. The body whorl features a single row of nodules, with a sharper carina and a flatter base that has three concentric nodose lirae. The aperture of the shell is lower and more rhomboidal, exhibiting a reddish-brown color that may verge on violet. This species can be distinguished from similar species like Lithopoma caelatum by these specific shell features. This species is found in the Indo-West Pacific region, particularly off the coasts of East India, the Philippines, and Australia, including the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia. Astralium rhodostomum inhabits rocky environments in shallow waters, typically at depths ranging from 0 to 30 meters, with most occurrences noted shallower than 20 meters. It is a benthic organism, often found on rocks in intertidal zones and shallow waters. The rosemouth star shell is herbivorous, grazing on algae and organic matter. It reproduces through a process typical of many gastropods, where embryos develop into planktonic trocophore larvae before maturing into juvenile veligers. Encountering this species while diving can be intriguing, as divers may spot them clinging to rocky surfaces, showcasing their unique shell characteristics. The conservation status of Astralium rhodostomum is not evaluated, indicating a lack of detailed assessment regarding its population and threats.