Nassarius fossatus (Gould 1850)

The outer margin of the aperture has small teeth on the margin and is ridged inside. It has a short siphonal notch or canal at the anterior end (right above) and a small notch at the posterior end. The innr margin and columella have alarge callus which is usually orange. This shell has a hermit crab inside.

Another, smaller individual

This anterior view of the shell clearly shows the groove which sets off the anterior end from the rest of the shell.

Nassarius fossatus shell (contains a hermit crab) found intertidally near Rosario. Note the deep groove at the anterior (right) end that separates the anterior end of the body whorl from the rest of the shell. (Photo by: Dave Cowles July 2006)