How to Identify Whelks

Whelks are some of the largest and most well-known marine snails in eastern North America and will be easy to identify if you follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Determine where the shell was found. Fulgur Whelks are usually only found in the Atlantic Ocean near North America.

2. Note the general features of whelks. Whelks have a spire that is wider than it is tall. The aperture of the shell is very large with a long groove running to the tip of the shell.

3. Observe the size of whelk shells. Adult whelks have shells that are approximately 12.5 to 20 centimeters in length.

4. Check to see if the whelk is left-handed or right-handed. Lay the whelk on a table so that the spire is facing up, the groove is facing down and the aperture is facing you. If the spire is on the right and the aperture is on the left, the whelk is left-handed. If the spire is on the left and the aperture is on the right, the whelk is right-handed.

5. Look at the details of the whelk's spire and its handedness to help you determine the species of whelk. If the whelk has large points on the spire and is right-handed, it is a Kiener's Whelk. If the whelk has large points on the spire and is left-handed, it is a Perverse Whelk. If the whelk has high spire with points, it is a Knobbed Whelk. Use a guide book to help you identify other types of whelks.

Tips & Warnings

• The name Whelk in North America typically refers to the Fulgur Whelk.

• The spire is the spiral-shaped part of the whelk shell. The opening of the shell is the aperture.

Resources

• Information on whelks.