Shark Eye Moon Snail (also known as Atlantic Moon Snail or Northern Moon Snail)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Littorinimorpha, Family: Naticidae, Genus: Euspira, Species: Euspira heros · Naticidae (Moon Snail family) · Gastropod, whole shell, globose or spiral shape
Species
Euspira heros
Shell Type
Gastropod, whole shell, globose or spiral shape
Family
Naticidae (Moon Snail family)
Size
Approximately 1.5 inches in width, which is on the smaller to medium side for this species. Adults typically range from 2 to 4 inches, though some northern specimens can grow larger.
Color & Pattern
Uniform glossy white or cream coloration throughout the visible interior and outer surface, highly sun-bleached with a smooth porcelain-like finish.
Rarity
Common, frequently found washed up on sandy beaches throughout its range.
Habitat
Marine benthic environment, typically found burrowing just beneath the surface of sandy bottoms in shallow subtidal to moderately deep waters.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Nova Scotia down to North Carolina.
Description
A smooth, rounded, globose gastropod shell featuring a low spire and a very wide, rounded aperture. The surface is polished and glossy, lacking prominent ribs or sculpture, showcasing a clean white finish with a deep, open umbilicus near the inner lip.
Key Features
Globular shape, low spire, smooth porcelain texture, large rounded aperture, and a deep open umbilicus that lacks a callus plug.
Collector Value
Low to moderate commercial value; commonly found in shell shops and collected by beachcombers, highly prized mainly for decorative crafts rather than rare specimen trade.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition, completely intact with a smooth surface and clean aperture, showing full sun-bleached whiteness without major structural fractures or boring marks; Collectibility grade: Good.
Interesting Facts
Moon snails are formidable carnivorous predators that drill perfectly circular holes into the shells of other bivalves using a combination of acidic secretions and their radula to feed on the soft tissue inside.
Ecological Role
Acts as an important marine predator controlling bivalve populations, while its empty shells frequently serve as essential temporary homes for hermit crabs.
Similar Species
Neverita duplicata (Shark's Eye Moon Snail), which features a prominent brownish callus filling the umbilicus, unlike the open umbilicus of Euspira heros.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along high-energy sandy beaches after storms at low tide. Keep an eye out for 'collars'—the sandy egg masses produced by moon snails which resemble brittle plastic collars.