Antillean Glassy Bubble

Haminoea antillarum

Haminoea antillarum is a small sea snail that typically has a shell length ranging from 7 to 20 mm. This species can be identified by its glassy appearance and is often found in shallow waters. It inhabits the Caribbean Sea, with recorded occurrences from East Florida down to Colombia, including areas off Cuba and the Virgin Islands, as well as the Atlantic Ocean near Eastern Brazil. Divers can expect to find it at depths of 0 to 3 meters, primarily in seagrass beds and other shallow environments. The diet of the Antillean Glassy Bubble consists mainly of seagrass, which it grazes on while residing on the ocean floor. This species is known to be a simultaneous hermaphrodite, meaning it possesses both male and female reproductive organs, allowing for flexible mating opportunities. Encounters with this snail during dives may involve observing its slow movements as it feeds on seagrass, often blending into its surroundings due to its transparent shell. Currently, the conservation status of Haminoea antillarum is not evaluated by the IUCN, indicating that there is insufficient data to determine its population trends. Divers should note that it has been recorded at multiple dive sites, suggesting it may be relatively common in its habitat.