elephant's snout volute
Nameelephant's snout volute
Scientific NameCymbium cymbium
Common Nameelephant's snout volute
FamilyVolutidae
GenusCymbium
Speciescymbium
Geographic DistributionEastern Atlantic Ocean, primarily along the West African coast from Senegal to Angola.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapefusiform
Average Size (mm)100-200
Identifying FeaturesThe most prominent identifying feature is the unique "elephant's snout" shape of the anterior siphonal canal. Other features include its large size, elongated-ovate form, very low spire, smooth and glossy shell surface, speckled exterior coloration, and the characteristic pinkish-orange aperture interior. Columellar folds are present, typical of the family.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Linnaeus, 1758)
Description
A large, elongated-ovate marine gastropod shell characterized by its very low, almost immersed spire and a distinctive, truncated anterior siphonal canal that resembles an elephant's snout. The shell surface is smooth and glossy, with a pale exterior often adorned with speckled patterns, and a vibrant, glossy pinkish-orange interior aperture.
