Whelk

Whelk is a common name that is applied to various kinds of sea snail, many of which have historically been used, or are still used, by humans and other animals for food. Although a number of whelks are relatively large and are in the family Buccinidae (the true whelks), the word whelk is also applied to some other marine gastropod species within several families of sea snails that are not very closely related.

Taxonomy

The term whelk is used to include several marine mollusc species from different families: Buccinidae, Muricidae, and Melongenidae. The Buccinidae family includes the "true whelks", a family of carnivorous marine snails. Muricidae, also known as murex snails or rock snails, is a large and varied taxonomic family of small to large predatory sea snails. The Melongenidae family, commonly known as the crown conches and their allies, are a family of sea snails.

Description

Whelks are marine gastropods with a spiral shell, typically with a distinctive gash or notch in the lip. The shell is usually pale, often with darker markings. Most species have a strong, sculptured shell. The animal inside the shell is soft-bodied, and can completely withdraw into the shell.

Distribution and habitat

Whelks are found worldwide, in various habitats. They are predominantly found in the Northern Hemisphere, and are particularly abundant in the waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Human use

Whelks are harvested and used as food in various parts of the world. In the British Isles, they are commonly served in seafood dishes. In the United States, they are used in chowders and other seafood dishes.

See also

• Sea snail
• Gastropod
• Mollusc

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