Cancellariidae – Cancellariinae: Sydaphera lactea (Deshayes, 1830) (‘milky nutmeg-shell’)

Synonym(s): lactea Deshayes, 1830 laevigata Sowerby, 1832.

Typical shell-length 25 mm. Shell usually heavily thickened; beached shells are often worn. Lives subtidally amongst seaweed and seagrass. Native. Endemic to southeastern Australia (TAS, VIC and SA). In Tasmanian waters, this is a widespread species, and the only one likely to be encountered as beached shells in the S.