(Turton, 1834)
Description (shell):
Shell in general like that of Oenopota turricula , but smaller and with more numerous costae (20-27 on last whorl, 17-23 on penult). Spire less clearly turreted in profile. The relatively short spire and siphonal canal of this species give the shell a more oval profile than that of Oenopota turricula , and this is smoothed by the relatively slight subsutural flattening of the whorls. If present, second whorl of protoconch shows 12-15 small spiral ridges. Last whorl occupies about two thirds of shell height (range 58-75 %), aperture about half (range 40-56 %). The anal sinus is narrower than in Oenopota turricula , lies closer to the wall of the last whorl, and its lip is often slightly flared.
Size:
Up to 12 x 5 mm.
Colour:
Biscuit-coloured.
Animal:
The animal resembles Oenopota turricula in all respects save that the eyes lie about half way along the tentacles. Flesh white or grey.
Habitat:
It has been recorded from sandy bottoms, 25-30 m deep.
Distribution:
Circumpolar in its distribution; it extends south to the British Isles in the eastern Atlantic, to Maine in the western Atlantic, to California in the eastern Pacific. Locally frequent in North Sea (Distr. O. trevelliana).