Norris' Top Snail

Commonly found on kelp from Point Conception to Baja California, the Norris' top snail feeds mainly on brown algae.  Also known as smooth brown turban snails, they use their file-like tongue or radula to scrape holes in the kelp.  Norris top snails are common food for sea stars.  Undergoing a daily vertical migration, they move down the kelp during the day and up the kelp beginning at dusk.  The shell of the snail grows up to 55mm in diameter, is light brown on the exterior and often has coraline algae growing on the shell.  The umbilicus, or center, is a beautiful chartreuse. 

 

Norris' top snails are usually found at the Aquarium in tank number 3.