Melanella algoensis is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Eulimidae. The species is one of multiple species known to exist within the genus, Melanella. Steyn, D.G. & Lussi, M. (1998) Marine Shells of South Africa. An Illustrated Collector’s Guide to Beached Shells. Ekogilde Publishers, Hartebeespoort, South Africa, ii + 264 pp. page(s): 42Odhner, N.H.J. (1919). Contribution a la faune malacologique de Madagascar. Arkiv för Zoologi, K. Svenska Vetenskapsakademien, 12(6): 1-52, 4 pl., available online at https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/6455070
Description The length of the shell attains 8 mm, is diameter 2 mm.
(Original description in Latin) The small shell is white, polished, subulate, and slightly curved. It bears a narrow, translucent band immediately below the suture. The shell consists of approximately twelve whorls, which are slightly convex, increase gradually in size, and are separated by a very slightly oblique suture. The body whorl is rounded at the periphery.
The aperture is pear-shaped and does not quite equal one-fourth of the shell’s total length. The outer lip is arched and projects forward at the middle. The columella is slightly thickened and reflected, and is joined above to the outer lip by a thin callus.
Distribution This species occurs in the following locations: Madagascar South Africa (Algoa Bay)
References
Kilburn, R.N. & Rippey, E. (1982) Sea Shells of Southern Africa. Macmillan South Africa, Johannesburg, xi + 249 pp.
External links To World Register of Marine Species