Nassarius speciosus

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Nassarius speciosus, the purple-lipped dogwhelk or splendid nassa, is a small sea snail in the Nassariidae family. It grows to 20–35 mm long.

Description:
- Shell: small and sturdy, with strong raised ridges running lengthwise and crossed by finer circular lines.
- The whorls have a shoulder with little nodules along the edge; the ridges become weaker toward the end of the main shell.
- The opening has a siphonal notch; the inner lip has a thick white callus that covers the columella and inner wall. The outer lip is thick with low ridges inside.
- Color: pale white to buff shell with lighter ridges; the opening and inner lip are white; the siphonal notch is dark purplish-brown when fresh. Living shells are often covered by a khaki-brown coating from encrusting organisms.

Distribution and habitat:
- Endemic to South Africa, found off the West coast to the Agulhas Bank, from southern Namibia to western Transkei.
- Inhabits shallow water down to about 130 meters, possibly deeper.

Taxonomy:
- Binomial name: Nassarius speciosus; described by A. Adams in 1852.
- Family: Nassariidae; Genus: Nassarius.