Cantharidus capillaceus capillaceus is a subspecies of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Trochidae, the top snails.

Distribution

This subspecies is endemic to New Zealand's Auckland, Campbell, and Antipodes islands.

Habitat

This top snail is found from the intertidal zone to depths of up to 15 m.

Shell description

The shell is moderately large, tall conical, with a broadly rounded apex, smooth and shining but with dense subsurface spiral striae.

Coloration of the apex is pink, and the remainder of the shell is leaden-purple. The columella is white, and the aperture is reddish iridescent within, the peristome narrowly edged with pink.

The shell height is up to 28 mm, and the width is up to 19.5 mm.

References

• Powell A. W. B., New Zealand Mollusca, William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1979 ISBN 0-00-216906-1