Phorcus richardi

Phorcus richardi is a marine gastropod known for its distinctively shaped shell, which ranges in length from 10 mm to 23 mm. The shell is conoidal and umbilicate, displaying an olivaceous or yellowish coloration adorned with oblique tawny stripes. Its surface is smooth, and the conical spire is relatively short with deeply impressed sutures. The five whorls are convex, with the last whorl being flattened and slightly angular around the periphery. The aperture is large and very oblique, with a thin outer lip that is narrowly margined with yellow and features a band of opaque white inside. This species is primarily found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Adriatic Sea, living in rocky environments where it can be encountered by divers. Encounters with Phorcus richardi can be quite common, as it has been recorded at numerous dive sites. Divers may find this species on rocky reefs or in similar habitats, where it blends in with its surroundings. It is generally herbivorous, likely feeding on algae, although specific dietary habits are not detailed in the sources. Breeding behaviors are also not explicitly mentioned, but like many gastropods, it may reproduce through external fertilization. Conservation status for Phorcus richardi is not evaluated in the sources, indicating that its population status is unclear. However, divers should always be mindful of their impact on marine ecosystems and practice responsible diving to help protect these species and their habitats.