Nerita picea Récluz 1841

Nerita Picea, also called Black Nerite or Pipipi in Hawaiian, is a species of marine gastropod mollusc in the family Neritidae commonly found in clusters on the high part of the intertidal zone.^[1][2] This species is found all through out the Hawaiian coastline and is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.^[1][3] In Hawai‘i black nerite are enjoyed as a snack when boiled.

Nerita picea on the rocks at Ka'ena point, Oahu, HI

Description

Nerita picea is a marine snail with an ovate shaped shell that is dark blue to black in color on the outside and internally white. Nerita picea range in size from 5-20mm when mature.^[1] Nerita picea have a rather solid calcareous shell with little ridges that gives texture to the shell.

Distribution

Nerita picea is a species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.^[2]

Habitat

The habitat of Black Nerite consists of the higher sections of the intertidal zone usually found in clusters in the crevices and pockets of the rocky shoreline.^[4]

Human use

In Hawaiian culture, Nerita picea or Pipipi are often eaten boiled, as part of a soup, or eaten raw.^[2]

Black nerita, or in Hawaiian, Pipipi in clusters in the intertidal zone.

References

• Hombron, J.B. & Jacquinot, C.H. (1842-1854). Atlas d'histoire Naturelle zoologie par MM. Hombron et Jacquinot, chirurgiens de l'expédition. Voyage au Pole Sud et dans l'Océanie sur les corvettes l'Astrolabe et la Zélée éxecuté par ordre du roi pendant les années 1837–1838–1839–1840 sous le commandement de M. Dumont-d'Urville, capitaine de vaisseau, publié sous les auspices du département de la marine et sous la direction supérieure de M. Jacquinot, capitaine de vaisseau, commandant de la Zélée. Zoologie. Gide & Cie, Paris.