Tricolia gabiniana

Tricolia gabiniana is a species of small sea snail with a calcareous operculum, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Phasianellidae, the pheasant snails.

The shell of Tricolia gabiniana typically attains a height of 7 millimeters. Shells are small, glossy, ovate, and imperforate, frequently displaying vibrant colorations. They fluoresce under ultraviolet light due to porphyrin pigments. The operculum is calcareous, convex, and paucispiral. Their radula has specialized teeth adapted for grazing microalgae and seaweed.

Tricolia gabiniana inhabits intertidal zones off Western Australia, primarily among sheltered seaweed and seagrass beds from low tide level down to 5 meters deep.

Tricolia snails have a brief, non-feeding planktonic larval phase, limiting dispersal capability. Reproductive strategies vary within the genus, including broadcast spawning, gelatinous egg capsules, and brooding within the shell. Juveniles feed on diatoms and microalgae, transitioning to macroalgae in adulthood.

The species is currently classified as "Data Deficient" (DD) by the IUCN Red List, indicating insufficient data on population status and threats, highlighting a need for further research to inform conservation strategies.

• World Register of Marine Species
• IUCN Red List entry
• Museums Victoria