Phasianellidae – Phasianellinae: Phasianella ventricosa Swainson, 1822 (‘swollen pheasant-shell’)

Synonym(s): ventricosa Swainson, 1822 perdix Wood, 1828 articulata Anton, 1838 brevis Menke, 1843 turgida Philippi, 1853 delessertii Chenu, 1859 venosa Reeve, 1862 sanguinea Reeve, 1862 inflata Swainson, 1822 reticulata Reeve, 1862 peroni Mabille, 1888.

Typical shell-length 50 mm. A thick-set shell. Brick-red colouration sometimes overlain with darker or paler wavy axial lines. The animal bears a chalky-white, teardrop-shaped operculum, which is sometimes beached alongside shells of this species. Lives subtidally amongst seaweed and seagrass, including in exposed environments. Native. Endemic to southeastern and southwestern Australia (NSW, TAS, VIC, SA and WA). In Tasmanian waters, this species is largely confined to the N coast and Bass Strait islands, where often common. Specimens from further S are likely to be subfossils, dating from a past warmer period.