Moon Seashells

Family: Naticidae. These moderately sized shells belong to a family group numbering several hundred species. Exquisitely patterned, these shells can be found around the world. When fully expanded, the live animal is several times larger than its shell. They are so large, many moon snails cannot fit their entire body inside the shell. Moon snails are also known as whale or shark eyes because of the dark spot in the center of the shell. They have huge appetites and eat several times a day. Moon snails are carnivorous sand dwellers feeding mainly on clams and other snails. They lay their eggs in collars made of sand and mucus. These collars can be commonly found on most beaches. Interesting Facts: Moon Snails can bore a hole in the shell of their prey in as fast as three minutes, using their radular teeth. These teeth are attached to tissue that most resembles a cats tongue. So actually, a moon snail is licking through the shell and not biting it.

Learn more about Moon Shells in our seashell article gallery.