Whelk shell photo examples and identification

   

  Whelk shell photo examples

Lightning whelk seashell opening points to the left (see photo examples below).

Hold shell facing you with tail down. Opening is on left for lightning whelk.

Lightning whelk also often has beautiful stripes and colors.

Channeled whelk shell has more grooves rather then knobs.

Channeled whelk is normally 8 inches max size.

Channeled whelk has channels extending out towards the point.

Knobbed whelk seashell is broad and wider.

Knobbed whelk has obvious knobs / horns / spikes sticking out.

Pear whelk shells are smaller and smoother.

Pear whelk shells do not have the obvious horns or spikes extending out.

Pear whelk is more like a smaller fig shape.

Note that seashells can be sanded smoother from surf.

Note that seashells can be bleached white (or lighter color) from sun.

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