Shells of South
East Queensland

Tweed Heads to Noosa
Cypraeidae

Purpuradusta minoridens

(Melvill, 1901)
Shell: small, light, subpyriform to subcylindrical, ranging from 10-12 mm. Spire flattened, partially concealed. Teeth: 16 to 19 columellar teeth; 15 to 18 labral teeth. Sculpture: smooth, porcelaneous. Exterior colour fawn with diffuse tan axial bands; dusted with fine tan spots; base and margins ivory; ends of canals violet; prominent violet blotch at the spire. Mantle line indistinct.


Specimens

Gneerings Shoal,  Australia
Size: 12mm    Collected: 1986
Collected on scuba at 15m under coral rubble.

Lamont Reef,  Australia
Size: 12mm    Collected: 2019
Under rocks on weather edge of reef. At low tide.

Port Vila,  Vanuatu
Size: 10mm    Collected: Unknown
Purchased at local markets.