The closely related species Nerita melanotragus occurs in eastern Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania.

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).

The species feeds by scraping epilithic algae using their radula.

Nerites are preyed upon by reef crabs (Ozius truncatus).