Distribution: Uncommon to rare in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Likely distribution throughout the Pacific Ocean, with specimens also from South Africa. In Australia known from North Queensland to southern New South Wales.

Ecological Notes: A member of the Pleuston group of organisms that live on the surface of the ocean.

Additional Notes: A small bubble raft supports the animal at the ocean’s surface, where it preys on floating anemones, Actinecta sp. The light brown shell has 5 whorls, and a thin brown periostracum. Note cylindrical egg capsules. Sometimes discovered on beaches with other members of the family after strong onshore winds. Grows to 29 mm shell length. Both photographs taken in aquarium.

References: The Seashells of New South Wales, Des Beechey, Senior Fellow, Australian Museum, Release 25. Website at https://seashellsofnsw.org.au/Janthinidae/Pages/Recluzia_hargravesi.htm. Accessed 11/11/2018.

ResearchGate website at https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Recluzia-johnii-Holten-two-living-an…. Accessed 11/11/2018.