Girdled Whelk
NameGirdled Whelk
Scientific NameNassarius cingulatus
Common NameGirdled Whelk
FamilyNassariidae
GenusNassarius
Speciescingulatus
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and other parts of Southeast Asia.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)15-25
Identifying FeaturesThe most distinctive identifying feature is the presence of strong, widely spaced, raised spiral cords that give the shell a 'girdled' appearance. It has a tall, acute spire and a thickened outer lip on the aperture.
Dietdetritivore
Raritycommon
Author CitationPhilippi, 1840
Description
The Girdled Whelk is a small to medium-sized marine gastropod mollusk, characterized by its distinctive high-spired, turreted shell. Its most prominent feature is the series of strong, raised, whitish spiral cords or 'girdles' that encircle each whorl, contrasting with the darker background color of the shell. The aperture is ovate, and the shell typically exhibits a short siphonal canal.
