Home > Invertebrates > Shells > Worm Shells > Eualetes tulipa

Updated 3/11/2023

Family Vermetidae

CIRCUMTROPICAL / HAWAII

Eualetes tulipa

Ft. Kamehemeha, Oahu, 2 feet

 

Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, 4 feet


Maunalua Beach Park, Oahu, 3 feet

ALI'I WORM SNAIL

Common on manmade surfaces or mangrove roots in protected bays. Gray shell with fine ribs, purple animal has a large operculum.  Aperture diameter of 1/3 inch, coils 2 inches.  Native to the Pacific coast of Panama, accidentally introduced to Hawaii via shipping activity, and given the old name Vermetus alii.  It has become established at other localities.