Live Common Whelks stranded at Rhossili

The sandy shore at Rhossili on the Gower Peninsula was strewn with living Common Whelks (Buccinum undatum Linnaeus) on 24th October 2012. These are one of the commonest British marine molluscs. Their shells are frequently found on beaches all around our British coastline. However, the ones with meat in them are more likely to be seen on the fishmonger’s slab. Living whelks prefer to keep out of sight of the average beachcomber – usually living sublittorally (underwater) down to depths of 1200 metres.

Click here for more information about Common Whelks in Jessica’s Nature Blog – and click on the picture right at the end of this article for a short video clip of one of the live whelks.