TROCAS MOTHER OF PEARL

This shell specie is widespread in the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific region.

Juveniles live in shallow areas on intertidal reef flats, while adults prefer atoll reefs along the reef crest or on reef slopes at depths of 0 to 20 m.

These gastropods feed on very small plants and filamentous algae grazed on coral and rocks.

It is the most economically important gastropod species in the tropical West Pacific. It is both an important traditional food and a leading export item used as a source of mother-of-pearl material for buttons and jewelry.