The Varicose Cerith, Alaba incerta (d'Orbigny, 1841), is a small local gastropod that, at 5 mm (about 0.2 inch) in length, fits the definition of a micromollusk (a mollusk with its shell or body equal or smaller than 5 mm.) The Varicose Cerith shell is elegant and very delicate, with translucent walls and the occasional whitish thickening known as a varix. Varices are usually indicative of slower shell growth in gastropod mollusks. Varicose Ceriths are not very common on local beaches, being found instead in bay areas among sea grasses and sea weeds.
The Varicose Cerith, Alaba incerta, from Pine Island Sound. Photo by José H. Leal.