Trochacea

The Trochacea are a superfamily of marine snails belonging to the class Gastropoda. These snails are characterized by their spiral, conical shells, which often display vibrant colors and can have elaborate ornamentation. The interiors of their shells are typically nacreous, meaning they have a lustrous, mother-of-pearl-like lining.12

Trochacea are found in various ocean depths, from shallow rocky shores to the deep sea, with the greatest diversity in temperate and tropical waters. They are herbivorous, feeding on algae and other plant matter found on rock surfaces. Most species have separate sexes and external fertilization, with a free-swimming larval stage. The largest species, Trochus niloticus, was historically fished for its mother-of-pearl.12