Harpago chiragra

Shell description

The shell length for this species varies between 85 mm and 320 mm, usually to 170 mm. Harpago chiragra has a very thick, robust and heavy shell, with a distinct anterior notch. Its most prominent characteristic are the six long and curved marginal digitations, expanded from the flaring, thick outer lip and canals. The columella and aperture are lirate.

Anatomy

Sexual dimorphism is strongly present in this species. Female individuals are usually much larger than the male ones.

Distribution

Harpago chiragra is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific, ranging from the Aldabra Atoll, Chagos, Mauritius, Mozambique, Sri Lanka and the Gulf of Bengal to eastern Polynesia. It ranges north as far as Taiwan and southern Japan, and south to New Caledonia and Australia.

Ecology

Habitat

Harpago chiragra lives in coral reef areas. It can be found in littoral and sublittoral zones, in tidal pools and low tide levels to a depth of around 25 m.

Feeding habits

Harpago chiragra is known to be an herbivore, feeding on plants and algae.

Human uses

The flesh of H. chiragra is edible, and it is locally collected for food. The shell is used in shellcraft.

References

• Dautzenberg, Ph. (1929). Mollusques testacés marins de Madagascar. Faune des Colonies Francaises, Tome III
• Walls, J.G. (1980). Conchs, tibias and harps. A survey of the molluscan families Strombidae and Harpidae. T.F.H. Publications Ltd, Hong Kong

References

1. Bouchet, P. (2011). Harpago chiragra (Linnaeus, 1758). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=564725 on 2011-04-23
2. Poutiers, J. M. (1998). [ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/009/w7191e/w7191e40.pdf '''Gastropods''' in: ''FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes: The living marine resources of the Western Central Pacific Volume 1.'' Seaweeds, corals, bivalves and gastropods]{{dead link. (May 2025)