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ANIMAL SPECIES:Elephant Snail
The Elephant Snail looks like it has grown too big for its shell.
Alternative Name/s
Roman ShieldIdentification
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 cmDistribution
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
Last Updated: 5 January 2010
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Elephant Snail in rock pool View full size
Dr Isobel Bennett
© Australian Museum
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