Japanese Turbo Snail
NameJapanese Turbo Snail
Scientific NameTurbo cornutus
Common NameJapanese Turbo Snail, Horned Turban
FamilyTurbinidae
GenusTurbo
Speciescornutus
Geographic DistributionNative to the waters of East Asia, primarily found around Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and the coast of China.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapetrochiform
Average Size (mm)Up to 120 mm (12 cm) in shell height.
Identifying FeaturesLarge, heavy, top-shaped shell with characteristic blunt, horn-like projections. Often heavily encrusted with marine growth. The animal's foot is visible in the image, appearing greenish-brown. The operculum (not visible) is thick, calcareous, white, and often has a green center.
Raritycommon
Author CitationSolander, 1786
Description
A large, robust marine gastropod mollusk, commonly known as the Japanese Turbo Snail or Horned Turban. Its heavy, trochiform shell is characterized by prominent, blunt, horn-like projections, particularly on the upper whorls. The shell is often heavily encrusted with various marine organisms, providing excellent camouflage. It is a commercially important species in East Asia, harvested for its meat and shell.
