Elephant Snail
NameElephant Snail
Scientific NameScutus antipodes
Common NameElephant Snail
FamilyFissurellidae
GenusScutus
Speciesantipodes
Geographic DistributionTemperate waters of southern Australia and New Zealand.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)100
Identifying FeaturesA large, dark, slug-like body that almost completely envelops a small, internal or partially internal white shell. It possesses two prominent cephalic tentacles and a broad, flattened foot. Unlike other keyhole limpets, its shell lacks an apical opening.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Montfort, 1810)
Description
The Elephant Snail is a large, marine gastropod mollusc characterized by its slug-like appearance, as its small, white, shield-shaped shell is almost entirely covered by its expansive, dark-colored mantle. It is often found in intertidal and shallow subtidal rocky environments.
