There has been some confusion over the taxonomy of the genus Nerita in the Pacific region; however, Nerita atramentosa and Nerita melanotragus are now recognised as separate species[1] (the two have often been considered to be the same species).
This species is commonly found on intertidal rocks, particularly in the mid to upper intertidal zone. It prefers to attach to sloped or vertical rock surfaces, or hang from the underside of rocks. This may be a method of thermoregulation, as if N. atramentosa is on a horizontal surface, it will absorb the maximum solar radiation. By contrast, if it is on a greater angle to the sun, it absorbs less energy (and thus heat).[2]N. atramentosa exhibits trail following behaviour. The species feeds by scraping epilithic algae using their radula. Nerites are preyed upon by reef crabs (Ozius truncatus).
Chilton, N. B; Bull, C. M. (1984). "Influence of predation by a crab on the distribution of the size-groups of three intertidal gastropods in South Australia". Marine Biology. 83 (2): 163–169. doi:10.1007/bf00394724. S2CID85170940.
Spencer, H.G.; Waters, J.M.; Eichhorst, T.E. (2007). "Taxonomy and nomenclature of black nerites (Gastropoda: Neritimorpha: Nerita) from the South Pacific". Invertebrate Systematics. 21 (3): 229–237. doi:10.1071/is06038.
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