Busycotypus canaliculatus: Difference between revisions
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==Shell description== |
==Shell description== |
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Shells of the channeled whelk typically reach 5 to 8 [[inch]]es in length. The shell is smooth and generally pear-shaped, with a large [[body whorl]] and a straight [[siphonal canal]]. Between the [[whorl (mollusc)|whorl]]s there is a wide, deep channel at the suture, and there are often weak knobs at the shoulders of the whorls. Finely [[sculpture (mollusc)|sculpted]] lines begin at the siphonal canal and revolve around the shell surface. |
Shells of the channeled whelk typically reach 5 to 8 [[inch]]es in length. The shell is smooth and generally pear-shaped, with a large [[body whorl]] and a straight [[siphonal canal]]. Between the [[whorl (mollusc)|whorl]]s there is a wide, deep channel at the [[suture (gastropod)|suture]], and there are often weak knobs at the shoulders of the whorls. Finely [[sculpture (mollusc)|sculpted]] lines begin at the siphonal canal and revolve around the shell surface. |
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Body color is typically a buff gray to light tan, with darker brown to brown-red vertical banding. The shell [[aperture (mollusc)|aperture]] is located on the right side, i.e is mainly dextral, with left-handed or sinistral specimens being rare. |
Body color is typically a buff gray to light tan, with darker brown to brown-red vertical banding. The shell [[aperture (mollusc)|aperture]] is located on the right side, i.e is mainly dextral, with left-handed or sinistral specimens being rare. |
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Revision as of 18:49, 3 November 2007
| Channeled whelk | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
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| Species: | B. canaliculatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Busycotypus canaliculatus Linnaeus, 1758
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The channeled whelk, Busycotypus canaliculatus, is a very large predatory sea snail, a marine prosobranch gastropod, a busycon whelk, belonging to the family Melongenidae. This species is edible.
Distribution
This species is endemic to the eastern coast of the United States, from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to northern Florida. It has also been introduced into San Francisco Bay.
Shell description
Shells of the channeled whelk typically reach 5 to 8 inches in length. The shell is smooth and generally pear-shaped, with a large body whorl and a straight siphonal canal. Between the whorls there is a wide, deep channel at the suture, and there are often weak knobs at the shoulders of the whorls. Finely sculpted lines begin at the siphonal canal and revolve around the shell surface.
Body color is typically a buff gray to light tan, with darker brown to brown-red vertical banding. The shell aperture is located on the right side, i.e is mainly dextral, with left-handed or sinistral specimens being rare.
Channeled whelks prefer sandy, shallow, intertidal or subtidal areas, and can be common in these habitats. They tend to be nocturnal and are known to eat soft clams.