Types of Snails - Marine and Terrestrial

Sea snails, like land and freshwater snails, are gastropod mollusks. This means that they belong to one of the oldest animal phyla on the planet.

Marine snails, also referred to as prosobranchs, are characterized by their soft and flexible body, as well as their conical or spiral shell. There are thousands of marine snail species, and their diet depends largely on the species. However, most sea snails tend to feed on plankton, algae, corals, and flora traces. Some sea snail species are carnivorous, and they feed on clams and smaller marine animals.

These sea snails exhibit diverse respiratory adaptations. Some breathe through gills, while others have a primitive lung enabling them to take in oxygen from the air. This adaptation highlights an evolutionary marvel, allowing them to thrive in various habitats. Keep reading below to discover the most common types of sea snails:

Known more commonly as the ‘magic cone’, this sea snail inhabits both the Pacific and Indigo oceans. The Conus magus species is characterized by its poisonous sting which can be lethal. Magic cone sea snail poison has roughly 50,000 different components, referred to as conotoxins.

Did you know that Conus magus poison is used in the pharmaceutical industry? Its poison components are isolated to produce pain-relieving medications used for patients suffering from cancer and HIV. The remarkable medicinal potential of these toxins is a subject of ongoing research, promising advancements in pain management and neuropharmacology.

Known as common Limpet, this type of sea snail is endemic to the waters of western Europe. It is usual to find this marine snail stuck to rock shores or shallow waters. The common limpet is among the most consumed snail species by humans. Their ability to cling tightly to surfaces protects them from predators and harsh environmental conditions, showcasing an intriguing survival strategy.

The common whelk (Buccinum undatum) mollusk can be found in the surrounding waters of the Atlantic Ocean, where it prefers to inhabit areas with temperatures of roughly 29 degrees. This type of snail species does not tolerate air exposure. If removed from the water and exposed to air, its body will dry out rapidly, underscoring its reliance on aquatic environments for survival.

Most commonly referred to as Abalone, these sea mollusks belong to the Haliotidae family and are greatly appreciated in the culinary world. Abalones can be found in waters surrounding São Tomé and Príncipe, off the coast of Gabon, Africa. This sea snail is characterized by its oval spiraling shell and they attach to rocks, where they feed on plankton and algae.

Their shells are not only beautiful but also serve as a protective barrier against predators, making them a fascinating subject for both culinary and ecological studies.

Also referred to as the common periwinkle, the Littorina littorea is a mollusk that can be found in abundance in the Atlantic Ocean, specifically around areas surrounding North America and western Europe. Winkle snails are characterized by a smooth dark spiraling shell. These sea snails generally reside on rocks or under boats, making them a familiar sight in maritime environments. In some regions, they are harvested for food, highlighting their ecological and economic significance.

Land snails are characterized by a soft body, more visible than their marine counterparts. Most land snail species breathe through lungs, although there are some that breathe through a gill system. Therefore, although they are considered terrestrial snails, these snails do require humid environments in order to survive.

Land snails release a type of mucus from the body, which helps to lubricate their muscular foot. This mucus allows them to move through any surface, smooth or rough. Additionally, land snails have small tentacles on their heads, as well as a primitive brain.

Did you know that the garden snail is considered the slowest of all land snail types? For more, we recommend reading our article where we list the 10 slowest animals in the world.

Keep reading to discover the most common types of land snails:

Also known as the Roman snail or Burgundy snail, this common garden snail is widely distributed in Europe. This type of garden snail can reach roughly 4 cm in height, and vary in brown tones. The Helix pomatia is a herbivore and feeds on pieces of fruit, leaves, sap, and flowers. This garden snail is nocturnal and is a popular edible snail or escargot. Their cultural significance extends beyond gastronomy, as they play roles in local ecosystems and traditions.

Known more commonly as garden snail, the Helix aspersa can be found all over the world, including North and South America, Oceania, Europe, South Africa, and part of the British Isles. This herbivore snail is usually found in and among gardens and crops. Because it often attacks and feeds on crops, the garden snail is often considered a burden to humans and is thereby killed off by pesticides. Their adaptability to various climates has allowed them to thrive globally, sometimes becoming invasive.

The giant African snail (Achatina fulica) is a snail species native to the coast of Tanzania and Kenya, but can also be found in different tropical areas around the world.

This large snail measures between 10 and 30 centimeters in length, and carries a spiral shell with brown and yellow stripes. The giant African snail is nocturnal, and feeds mainly on: plants, bones, algae, carrion, lichen, and even rocks, which it consumes for calcium. Its voracious appetite and reproductive capacity make it a formidable invasive species in many regions.

Commonly known as the decollate snail (Rumina decollata), this garden mollusk can be found in Europe, part of Africa, and North America. The decollate snail is carnivorous and consumes garden snails. Because of this, it is often used as a biological form of pest control. Like other species of land snails, they are nocturnal and active at night, preferring rainy seasons. Their role in pest management highlights their ecological importance and the balance they maintain in natural settings.

This type of air-breathing snail is endemic to the south of Spain; however, it is also possible to find them in several countries of South America, in addition to the United States and Algeria. This common garden snail species is characterized by its spiral brown shell with white dots. The Otala punctata is a herbivore and feeds on leaves, pieces of fruit, flowers, and vegetables. Their adaptability to various environments makes them resilient, yet they can become problematic in non-native regions.

There are several thousand species of freshwater snails that can be found in the fresh waters of rivers, lakes, and lagoons. A large number of these freshwater snails are also popular types of aquarium snails and are bred as pets.

For more about types of aquarium snails, we suggest reading our article where we list the best clean-up snails for your aquarium.

Freshwater snails play essential roles in their ecosystems, acting as both grazers and prey. Keep reading to discover the most common types of freshwater snails:

Known as a New Zealand mud snail, this species of freshwater snail is endemic to New Zealand, but can also be found in Australia, Europe, and North America. This snail carries a long shell with well-defined spirals, which can vary between white and gray. The New Zealand mud snail feeds on plant detritus, algae, and diatoms. Their rapid reproduction rate poses challenges for native ecosystems, where they can outcompete local species.

Commonly known as the golden apple snail, this snail is among the most common types of aquarium snails. Originally distributed among the temperate waters of South America, it is now possible to find this snail in freshwater as far away as Japan, Australia, and India.

A golden apple snail’s diet varies and can include algae found in the bottom of rivers and lakes, detritus, fish, and some crustaceans. The species can become a pest for humans, since it often consumes cultivated rice plants and is, in some cases, a parasitic host. Their spread is a testament to their adaptability and the consequences of human-mediated distribution.

The Leptoxis plicata, known commonly as the Plicata rocksnail, is a type of freshwater snail endemic to Alabama (United States). The species is listed as endangered and its main threats include changes to its natural habitat as a result of human activity, such as agriculture, mining, and diversion of the riverbed. Conservation efforts are crucial for this species as they reflect the broader challenges faced by aquatic ecosystems globally.

The Bythinella batalleri is a species of freshwater snail that inhabits the fresh waters of Spain, where it has been recorded in 63 different locations. This snail type is classified as a least concern snail species, since much of its habitat has dried up as a result of pollution and exploitation. Efforts to monitor and protect these habitats are vital to prevent further declines in their populations.

Image: https://www.iucn.org/

This terrestrial gastropod mollusk is endemic to the underground freshwater of the Hérault valley in Southern France. The snail species is considered critically endangered and the number of henrigirardia wienini species that still exist is unknown. The challenges in assessing their populations highlight the difficulties in conserving subterranean and less accessible habitats.

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