What are moon snails?
Moon snails belong to the Family Naticidae. These include the Genus Natica, which have a thicker operculum that is shell-like (usually white); and the Genus Polinices, which have a thin operculum made of a horn-like material (usually yellowish) with several whorls. Features: About 2cm. When a moon snail is fully extended out of its shell, it has an amazingly large body compared to its shell. It achieves this by inflating its tissues with seawater. The body forms a wedge shape that helps the snail move under the sand. The front of the foot is used like a plough. A part of the foot covers the head as a protective shield. The tentacles and siphon stick out of this shield. The mantle (a part of its body) extends in two flaps over the shell on either side. A moon snail’s shell often remains shiny and lustrous because the mantle envelopes its shell, and the snail spends most of its time under the sand. Encrusting animals have little chance of establishing on the shell of a living Moon snail.
