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ANIMAL SPECIES:Elephant Snail

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The Elephant Snail looks like it has grown too big for its shell.

Alternative Name/s

Roman Shield

Identification

The white shield-shaped shell of the Elephant Snail is often completely covered over by the black mantle. A member of the limpet family, this snail is easy to identify because of its large size and black colour.

Size range

15 cm

Distribution

Elephant Snails are found in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.

Habitat

Elephant Snails are found in intertidal rock pools.

Behaviour and adaptations

Feeding and Diet

The Elephant Snail is usually found feeding on algae in pools, crevices or under stones.

Classification

Species:
antipodes
Genus:
Scutus
Family:
Fissurellidae
Suborder:
Prosobranchia
Order:
Archaeogastropoda
Phylum:
Mollusca
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?


Last Updated: 5 January 2010

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