Nassarius gaudiosus is not often seen by divers due to its very shallow water habitat. Most specimens have been seen on the intertidal reef, where they live in sand under rocks. Most observed shells are occupied by hermit crabs. Shells here at Kwaj range up to about 15mm. The three shots immediately below of a young specimen were taken by Christina Sylvester in a reef tidepool.
The adult living animal below was photographed in Hawaii.
A couple of empty shells from the intertidal reef.
And another from the shallow subtidal seaward reef.
Created 28 May 2011
Updated 27 August 2020