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Lightning Whelk

Lightning whelk

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Fun Facts

The lightning whelk's movement is slowed when in saltwater.

Species Type:

Invertebrates

Common Name(s):

Lightning whelk

Size:

These whelks can grow to to 16 inches (41 centimeters) in length.

Diet:

These whelks feed on clams, and other bivalves like oysters and scallops.

Range & Habitat:

The lightning whelk can be found along the North American coastline from New Jersey to Texas in creeks, oyster bars and estuaries.

Details:

Lightning whelks are large, long and slender. They have brown and white spiraling stripes on their shells. Unlike most other gastropod’s shells, these stripes spiral left instead of right. They have additional striping in the shape of lightning bolts running vertically, hence their name.