Thorn Latirus

Opeatostoma pseudodon

Opeatostoma pseudodon is a predatory sea snail characterized by its elongated shell, which can measure between 29 to 75 millimeters in length. The shell is typically white or brown, adorned with thin brown or black stripes. One distinctive feature of this species is its reddish body and the longest apertural tooth found in any gastropod, which aids in anchoring the snail within its sandy and coral rubble habitat. This species is primarily found along the tropical west coast of North America, ranging from Southern Baja California in Mexico to Peru and the Galápagos Islands. These snails inhabit areas under rocks, often partially buried in coral sand, and are predominantly nocturnal. They feed mainly on small worms and other gastropods, utilizing their unique anatomical adaptations to capture prey. Encounters with Thorn Latirus during dives may occur at depths typically shallower than 40 meters, with most observations recorded at depths around 20 meters or less. Divers may find them in a variety of substrates, including sandy bottoms and rubble. While specific conservation status information is not provided, divers should always be mindful of their environment and the potential impacts of human activity on marine habitats.