Neptunea contraria [Neptunea contraria]
Description
The Neptunea contraria, commonly known as the Left-handed Whelk, is a species of sea snail that gets its name from the unique left-handed spiral of its shell. This distinguishing feature sets it apart from most other gastropods. The species is native to the North Pacific Ocean, and is commonly found in the waters off Russia and Japan. The Left-handed Whelk typically inhabits sandy or muddy substrates in depths ranging from 50 to 300 meters.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Gastropods
Gastropoda
|
| Order |
Neogastropoda
Neogastropoda
|
| Family |
Whelks
Buccinidae
|
| Genus |
Neptune whelks
Neptunea
|