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mangroves

Telescopium shell Telescopium telescopium Family Potamididae

The Telescopium shell is a large snail that is commonly found in mangroves. The shell is beautifully patterned under the thick layer of mud that usually covers it. The shell is also sometimes covered with barnacles and other encrusting animals. The Rodong can remain out of water for long periods.

Rodong Food: The snail feeds at low tide gathering detritus and algae from the mud surface with a highly extendable proboscis.

Human uses: Called Rodong in Malay, the snail is edible and said to be delicious when steamed and eaten with chilli.

Extendible proboscis

quick facts
8-10cm common in the mangroves and muddy shores

Classification:
Class Gastropoda
Phylum Mollusca

Links
Telescopium on the Seashell Architecture website: an X-ray photo of the shell to show its internal structure!

Other references

Ng, Peter K. L. & N. Sivasothi, 1999. A Guide to the Mangroves of Singapore II (Animal Diversity). Singapore Science Centre. 168 pp. online version
Tan, Leo W. H. & Ng, Peter K. L., 1988. A Guide to Seashore Life. The Singapore Science Centre, Singapore. 160 pp. online version
Tan, K. S. & L. M. Chou, 2000. A Guide to the Common Seashells of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre. 160 pp.
Chuang, S. H., 1961. On Malayan Shores. Muwu Shosa, Singapore.225 pp., plates 1-112.
Davey, Keith, 1998. A Photographic Guide to Seashore Life of Australia. New Holland Publishers, Australia.144pp.

a companion website to the chek jawa guidebook website©ria tan 2003 www.wildsingapore.com

a companion website to the chek jawa guidebook
website©ria tan 2003 www.wildsingapore.com