Elenae Moon, Stigmaulax elenae

Elenae Moon, Stigmaulax elenae. Size: 5.8 cm (2.3 inches) x 4.5 cm (1.8 inches).

The Elenae Moon, Stigmaulax elenae (Re’cluz, 1844), is a member of the Naticiae Familly of Moon Shells. Their shells are stout with four to five whorls with a calcareous operculum. The exterior of the shell is shiny and white to cream in color and they are marked with fine, often wavy, tan to reddish-brown lines running from the shoulder to the base. The interior has a purple blush. Elenae Moon Shells reach a maximum length of 5.1 cm (2.0 inches).

Elenae Moons are found over and within sand substrate at depths between 10 feet and 130 feet. They range from Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands. They are found in the southern portion of the Sea of Cortez, from Loreto to Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur.

Synonyms are Natica elenae and Natica haneti.