Cerithium atratum
The Florida Cerith is the most common Cerith found in Florida. It is whitish with brown markings and has raised points on its shell.
This long, thin, pointed shell may be off-white, tan, or gray with ladder-like ribs. It is very mobile in chasing its prey. It has “teeth” that work like a harpoon to inject poison into marine worms. In some species the poison is a danger to humans but the Common American Auger’s is not.
The Ceriths are such good algae feeders that they are used by aquarium enthusiasts for cleaning their fish tanks.
The Dwarf Cerith is only ¼ to ¾ inches. When conditions are right, thousands of these can be found at low tide among the rocks on the South end of Honeymoon Island.
Live shells should never be taken from any Florida State Park.