Nucella freycinetii
NameNucella freycinetii
Scientific NameNucella freycinetii
Common NameFreycinet's Dog Whelk, Freycinet's Rock Snail
FamilyMuricidae
GenusNucella
Speciesfreycinetii
Geographic DistributionNorth Pacific Ocean, including the coasts of Japan, Korea, Sakhalin, Kuril Islands, Kamchatka Peninsula, and the Aleutian Islands of Alaska.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)Ranges from approximately 30 mm to 60 mm in length.
Identifying FeaturesStrong, often nodulose spiral ribs and prominent axial growth lines. The aperture is wide and ovate, with a short siphonal canal. The most distinctive feature is the dark, often purplish-brown interior of the aperture, which contrasts sharply with the white columella. The outer lip may be slightly thickened and internally crenulated.
Raritycommon
Author CitationDeshayes, 1839
Description
A robust, medium-sized marine gastropod shell characterized by its conical-ovate shape, prominent spire, and strong sculpture of spiral ribs and axial growth lines. The exterior coloration is typically a base of off-white to cream, overlaid with irregular reddish-brown to dark brown spiral bands and axial streaks. The aperture is wide and ovate, featuring a distinctive dark reddish-brown to purplish-brown interior, contrasting with a smooth, glossy white columella.
