Veined rapa whelk
Rapana venosa
The veined rapa whelk is a large predatory sea snail found on sandy and muddy bottoms, oyster reefs, and other sheltered coastal habitats. It feeds mainly on bivalves such as oysters, mussels, and clams, prying or chipping shells and rasping soft tissue with its radula. Its thick, heavy shell and tight-closing operculum make it difficult for many predators to attack. Native to the western Pacific, it has become a major invasive species in parts of Europe and North America, often spreading through ballast water and affecting shellfish beds.
- Type
- Shell
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- ?
- Veined rapa whelk