User:KLeal14/Nerita polita

''->Comment by A.Faucci Apr 11: Nice work! make sure you add a reference to each sentence using the Wikipedia "Cite function!''

Introduction
Nerita polita (Kupe’e) is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Neritidae  that is commonly found in the tropical pacific. Nerita polita is also called Kupe’e in Hawaiian. This species usually comes out at night and hides during the day.

Description
Nerita polita has a glossy, distinctive smooth shell that is about 3-4 cm in size. It has a smooth columella with 2-4 weak teeth on the edge. Nerita polita comes in a range of colors such as white, cream, gray, pink, or sometimes with axial bands. The operculum shell is smooth and has a cream-to-blackish color.

Habitat/Ecology
The habitat of Nerita polita is where the water and sand meet and mix. These species are commonly active during the night by climbing up on the boulders to eat and during the day you can find them under the sand around boulders. .

Human use and Cultural Significance
In Hawai’i kupe’e (Nerita polita) are known to be a favored prize for their shells. They are also good to eat, made into a lei for mourning, and used by halau. They are known to be favored here in Hawai’i for their shell.