Giant triton
Charonia tritonis
- Scientific name
- Charonia tritonis
- Group
- Nudibranchs & Molluscs
- Rarity
- Epic
- Where to see it
- Indo-Pacific & Red Sea
- Conservation status (IUCN)
- Not evaluated
Did you know?
The giant triton is one of the few natural predators of the crown-of-thorns starfish, tracking it down and eating it despite its venomous spines. Its large spiral shell, once used as a ceremonial trumpet in several Pacific cultures, has made it a prized target for shell collectors.
What defines this group — Nudibranchs & Molluscs
Sea snails, with or without a shell — nudibranchs traded theirs for warning colours.
- “Nudibranch” means naked gills: the plume on the back is their breathing apparatus.
- Two rhinophores on the head act as a nose, following scent trails.
- Many recycle the venom of their prey — anemones, hydroids — for their own defence.