Common whelk [Buccinum undatum]
Description
The Common whelk is a large snail, found throughout the North Atlantic Ocean. It is often found in shallow water and is predominantly carnivorous, feeding on other molluscs and carrion. The shell is thick and strong, with a pointed spire and a large body whorl. The outer surface is covered with strong, rounded ridges and the colour varies from white to black, often with darker spiral bands.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Gastropods
Gastropoda
|
| Order |
Neogastropoda
Neogastropoda
|
| Family |
Whelks
Buccinidae
|
| Genus |
True whelks
Buccinum
|