Summary ³

The Scotch bonnet (Semicassis granulata), also known as the ridged bonnet, is a medium-sized species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the subfamily Cassinae. The common name alludes to the general outline and color of the shell, which vaguely resemble a Tam o' Shanter, a traditional Scottish bonnet.

Habitat ⁴

Scotch bonnets live on shelly sand in moderately shallow water. Shelly sand means there is an abundance of shell fragments mixed in with the sand, and it is typically found where ocean currents are strong. The Atlantic Ocean, especially off the coast of North Carolina, has very strong currents. Divers and local fisherman frequently find Scotch bonnets at depths of about 50 to 150 feet (15 to 46 m); however, live specimens can be found in depths from 0 to 94 metres (0 to 308 ft). Empty shells have been found in depths of up to 97 metres (318 ft). These snails are often found in association with the offshore Atlantic calico scallop beds, probably attracted by the abundant food. Shipwrecks also seem to provide a good habitat for this species.

Sources and Credits

1. (c) Pino Bucca, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Semicassis_undulata_2.jpg
2. (c) Veronidae, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Phalium_granulatum.jpg
3. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phalium_granulatum
4. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotch_bonnet_(sea_snail)

More Info

• iNat taxon page
• Animal Diversity Web
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• BOLD Systems BIN search
• Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
• SeaLifeBase
• World Register of Marine Species

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