Chocolate Spotted Auger

Terebra subulata

Terebra subulata is a slender sea snail with an elongated shell that can grow as long as 115 mm. Its shell is composed of around 25 rounded whorls and culminates in a pointed spire. The coloration is primarily cream, featuring two rows of dark brown square blotches on the earlier whorls and three rows on the body whorl. The aperture of the shell is quite small, and the outer lip is delicate, which helps differentiate it from other similar species. Divers can recognize this snail by its distinctive shell patterns and shape. This species is found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa and Madagascar to Eastern Polynesia, Japan, Hawaii, and Australia. It typically inhabits shallow waters, dwelling at depths of 0 to 10 meters, often on sandy substrates. Due to its shallow habitat, encounters with divers are relatively frequent, particularly in sandy areas. Terebra subulata preys on sand-dwelling Polychaeta and Enteropneusta, utilizing its radula teeth to inject venom that paralyzes its prey. This venom is specifically harmful to annelids and nematodes but poses no threat to vertebrates. The species reproduces as a non-broadcast spawner, and its life cycle does not include a trocophore stage. Although its conservation status has not been assessed, it is frequently collected for its appealing shell, which may influence its populations in certain regions.