Trochus

The genus Trochus refers to a type of marine snail belonging to the family Trochidae. These snails are characterized by their spiral, conical shells, which are often colorful and have a lustrous, nacreous interior. They are found in various marine environments, particularly along rocky shores.12

Trochus species are herbivores, feeding on algae. The largest species, Trochus niloticus, is found in the Indo-Pacific region and was historically fished for its mother-of-pearl, used in button manufacturing. The term "trochus" can also refer to the inner preoral band of cilia in a trochal disc, or more broadly, the trochal disc itself.13