Impoverished Dog Whelk

Nassarius pauperatus

Sea Life Native IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

These snails are primarily scavengers of dead animals, but will also opportunistically prey on live invertebrates and can chemically and mechanically bore holes through the shells of other molluscs.

Identification

Small, thick shell bearing spiral groves, axial folds and usually nodules, usually cream with brown spiral band, and a darkened callus extending from columella.

Size

Can grow up to around 20mm

Habitat

Sheltered shores, mudflats and tidal lagoons, usually on soft substrates

Distribution

South-eastern and south-western Australia From NSW to WA including Tasmania

Gallery

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Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (2)

The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2022-11-20 11:03:55)
Grove, S.J. (2018). A Guide to the Seashells and other Marine Molluscs of Tasmania web-site (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Quick Facts

Common name: Impoverished Dog Whelk
Scientific name: Nassarius pauperatus (Lamarck, 1822)
Family: Nassariidae
Category: Sea Life › Shellfish
Origin: Native
Conservation: Not Evaluated

Australian Faunal Directory

Tags

gastropod beachcombing rock-pool

Information Website

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Header image: CC BY-SA 4.0 © wildroo

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.