Knobbed Whelk

Busycon carica

Knobbed Whelk

A large, heavy spired sea snail of sand flats and tidal creeks, the knobbed whelk hunts bivalves along the southeastern United States. It pries open oysters, clams, and scallops by wedging the lip of its own shell between their valves, working its foot in step with the shell.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Mollusca › Gastropoda › Neogastropoda › Busyconidae › Busycon

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 160185.

FAQ

How deep does the Knobbed Whelk live?
The Knobbed Whelk (Busycon carica) is typically found at 0–75 m.
How big does the Knobbed Whelk get?
The Knobbed Whelk grows to about 24.9 cm.