Zebra Top Snail

Austrocochlea porcata

Austrocochlea porcata is a medium-sized sea snail characterized by its ovate-conical shell, which ranges from 20 mm to 43 mm in size. The shell is dark brown, adorned with a distinctive white net-like pattern. Its whorls are convex and feature numerous elevated transverse keels. The inner lip of the shell is white and somewhat calloused, while the outer lip has grooves on the inside. This species is often confused with the southern ribbed top snail due to their similar appearance, but Austrocochlea porcata has a less dilated aperture. The columellar tubercle is obsolete, further distinguishing it from its close relative. The shell's coloration includes a black-and-white banded pattern over a light grey to white base. Endemic to Australia, the zebra top snail is found from Central Queensland to Western Australia and off Tasmania. It typically inhabits shallow marine environments, with recorded depths mostly under 40 meters; 90% of occurrences are shallower than about 20 meters. This species thrives in rocky reefs and other coastal habitats, where it can be seen grazing on algae. Encounters with the zebra top snail during dives can be common. Divers may observe these snails slowly moving along surfaces, feeding on algae. The IUCN conservation status for this species is not evaluated.