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Elephant Snail

Elephant snails are a type of semi-rare solitary marine snail (mollusc) and look like a black slug with a small white, shield-like shell on their backs.

Size

70 - 150 mm

 

Field Guide

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  • Species Category: Marine
  • Species origin: Native
  • Conservation status: Common

  • What to Observe

    Search area for 30 minutes and record the following:

    • Abundant: found easily with little searching

    • Frequent: found with minimal searching

    • Rare: only 1 or 2 individuals found with intensive searching

    • Not found: not present during search

  • When and Where

    When To Look

    • Throughout the year

    Where To Look

    • Geraldton in Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and NSW up to Bowen in Queensland
    • Common on rocky shores, around the low tide level
    • Found in rock pools, water-filled crevices and under rocks
    • Can tolerate mild exposure, but prefer moist conditions

  • What Else?

    The shell never covers the full length of their bodies and their body can sometimes fold up and completely cover the shell.
  • Trails: Bellarine Peninsula - Barwon Coast & Ocean Grove Nature Reserve VIC, Cape Conran VIC, Killalea State Park NSW, Ricketts Point VIC
  • Species Region: Australia