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Phylum Mollusca > Class Gastropoda
Dolphin snail
Angaria delphinus
Family Angariidae
updated Sep 2020

Where seen? This large snail with an encrusted shell but pearly inner mouth is sometimes seen on some of our reefy shores. It was previously associated with the Family Trochidae.

Features: 4-6cm. Shell thick heavy, flattened coil with stubby spikes on the outer edge. Upperside usually hidden under a thick layer of encrusting lifeforms. We should not clean off the camouflaging cover on a living snail as this might put it in danger. Shell operning pearly and somewhat angular in outline. Unlike other commonly seen turban snails, the ooperculum is thin, brown and made of a horn-like material. Body with dark blotches, a pair of long tentacles.

Upper side usuallyunder a thick layer of
encrusting organisms.
Tanah Merah, Oct 09

Tanah Merah, Jun 10

Tanah Merah, Oct 09

Dolphin snails on Singapore shores
On wildsingapore flickr

Other sightings on Singapore shores


Sentosa Serapong, May 11
Photo shared by Loh Kok Sheng on flickr.

Shell of a dead snail.
Lazarus Island, Feb 11
Photo shared by Marcus Ng on flickr.

Kusu Island, Jun 24
Photo shared by Tammy Lim on facebook.


Beting Bemban Besar, May 22
Photo shared by Che Cheng Neo on facebook.

Links

References

  • Tan SK & Low MEY (2013) Singapore Mollusca: 1. The Family Angariidae (Gastropoda: Vetigastropoda: Angarioidea). Nature in Singapore, 6: 239–246.
  • Tan Siong Kiat and Henrietta P. M. Woo, 2010 Preliminary Checklist of The Molluscs of Singapore (pdf), Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore.
  • Tan, K. S. & L. M. Chou, 2000. A Guide to the Common Seashells of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre. 160 pp.
  • Abbott, R. Tucker, 1991. Seashells of South East Asia. Graham Brash, Singapore. 145 pp.
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