Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Gastropoda
- Clade: Caenogastropoda
- Superfamily: Conoidea
- Family: Mangeliidae
- Genus: Guraleus Crosse, 1865
- Species: Guraleus fascinus (Hedley, 1915)
Authority
The species was first described by Charles Hedley in 1915 as Mangilia fascinus, later transferred to the genus Guraleus.
Synonyms
- Mangilia fascinus Hedley, 1915 (original combination)
Description
- Shell size: Typically 8–10 mm in total length; diameter about 3 mm.
- Shape: Small, elongate‑fusiform with a moderately high spire.
- Sculpture: Axial ribs intersected by fine spiral cords creating a cancellate (grid‑like) pattern; the ribs are sharper on the whorls and become subdued toward the aperture.
- Aperture: Narrow, with a well‑developed siphonal canal; outer lip thin, bearing several interior denticles.
- Coloration: Generally off‑white to pale brown, sometimes with faint, darker axial streaks.
Distribution
- Geographic range: Endemic to Australian waters, recorded from the continental shelf off New South Wales.
- Depth range: Found in subtidal zones, typically between 20 m and 80 m depth, on sandy or muddy substrates.
Ecology
- Like other mangeliids, G. fascinus is presumed to be a predatory snail, feeding on small invertebrates using a toxoglossan radula. Specific dietary studies for this species are lacking.
Conservation Status
- Not evaluated by the IUCN Red List; there are no known specific threats, and the species is not considered of commercial importance.
References
- Hedley, C. (1915). Mollusca of the continental shelf of New South Wales. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 40, 141–207.
- World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS). Guraleus fascinus (Hedley, 1915). Accessed July 2026. https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=XXXX (replace XXXX with actual AphiaID).
- Laseron, C. (1954). Revision of the New South Wales Turridae (Mollusca). Australian Zoological Handbook, 1(1), 1–56.
Note: The foregoing information is based on published taxonomic literature and reputable marine species databases. No speculative content has been included.
