Antillean nerite

(Nerita fulgurans)

Classification:

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Mollusca

• Class: Gastropoda

• Subclass: Neritimorpha

• Order: Cycloneritida

• Family: Neritidae

• Genus: Nerita

• Species: N. fulgurans

Common Names

• Antillean nerite

• Lightning nerite

miniBIOTA

• Biome: marine coastal

• Introduced: 14 July 2024

• Found: The Jetties near Sebastian Inlet, Florida

• Estimated population: 25 as of 3 December 2024

• Breeding: has laid eggs but no confirmed offspring

• Known Diet: algae, biofilm

• Behavior: A small, herbivorous snail that grazes on algae and biofilm on rocks and glass in the intertidal and shallow coastal habitats. It is adapted to withstand periodic exposure to air and fluctuating salinity. Hides in crevices and in groups for protection during the day. Its behavior supports its role in maintaining ecosystem balance through algal control across surfaces.