Variable Nassarius or Common Atlantic Nassarius (also known as Dog Whelk or Mud Snail)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, Family: Nassariidae, Genus: Nassarius, Species: Nassarius vibex · Nassariidae (Nassa mud snail family) · Gastropod (univalve), whole shell, spiral shape with a pointed spire and ovate aperture
Species
Nassarius vibex
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve), whole shell, spiral shape with a pointed spire and ovate aperture
Family
Nassariidae (Nassa mud snail family)
Size
Approximately 12 mm (0.5 inches) in length, which is a very typical adult size for this species, ranging generally from 10 to 18 mm.
Color & Pattern
Creamy white or light tan base coloration accented by prominent brownish-orange spiral bands and distinct axial ribs. The apex features a characteristic purplish-pink hue. Colors are entirely natural and well-preserved.
Rarity
Very Common
Habitat
Found primarily in shallow intertidal and subtidal marine environments, living on or just beneath the surface of mud flats, sandbars, and seagrass beds.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic Ocean, extending from Massachusetts along the United States coast, through the Gulf of Mexico, and down to the Caribbean and Brazil.
Description
A small, sturdy marine snail shell featuring a plump body whorl and an elevated spire. The exterior exhibits a heavily sculptured texture created by a fine grid of intersecting axial ribs and spiral cords. The aperture is relatively small and rounded with a distinct posterior notch and a short siphonal canal.
Key Features
Plump ovate shape, prominent spiral banding of brown-orange on a light background, beaded or cancellate texture from intersecting ribs, and a distinct purplish-pink protoconch (tip).
Collector Value
Low monetary value due to its abundance, but highly appreciated by beginners and micro-shell collectors for its delicate patterns and compact, perfect form. Typically worth less than a dollar individually.
Condition Notes
Gem condition. The shell is fully intact, retains its vibrant natural coloration without bleaching or fading, shows no major wear or boring holes, and has an undamaged outer lip.
Interesting Facts
Nassarius snails are notable scavengers with an exceptionally keen sense of smell. They can rapidly detect decaying organic matter in the substrate and emerge en masse from the sand to feed on carrion.
Ecological Role
Functions as an important marine scavenger and part of the benthic cleanup crew, consuming dead organic matter and serving as a food source for fish, crabs, and shorebirds.
Similar Species
Nassarius trivittatus (New England Nassarius), which is generally larger and more elongated with sharper axial ribs; and Nassarius albus, which lacks the distinct colored banding.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along protected bays, mud flats, and sandy-muddy ocean beaches at low tide. Sift gently through the top layer of wet sand or check the wrack line where small shells accumulate.