Gastropods | Gastropoda

Gastropods refer to invertebrates under the class Gastropoda. This class is represented by slugs and snails that live in various environments such as land, freshwater, and oceans. These animals are scavengers, hence a host to various disease-transmitting pathogens. Though they have a distasteful look, some are a source of food and their shells can be used as ornaments in the making of jewelry. Gastropods have no hearing hence use sensory organs like the eyes, olfactory organs, and mechanoreceptors for detecting motion. Gastropods move through creeping using a muscular foot which in some species is extremely specialized for swimming or burrowing.

What do gastropods eat?

Gastropods usually have a variety of diets and thus the food they eat ranges a lot. Some gastropods species eat algae from the rocks along the ocean floor while others may feed on large marine plants such as kelp. Some gastropods are bottom feeders and search the ocean floor for food.

Where do gastropods live?

Gastropods live in both terrestrial and marine environments, but most species of gastropods live in bodies of water all around the world. Some gastropod species live in coral reef habitats, but generally gastropods are considered one of the most diverse species in their habitats.

How do gastropods reproduce?

The way gastropods reproduce depends highly from one group to another as gastropods are a diverse group of animals. The majority of gastropods reproduce through internal fertilization. Gastropods are also capable of being either male, female, or hermaphrodites which gives them their unique reproduction system.

Gastropods Guides
Browse through our curated Gastropods Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Gastropods. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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5.91”-15.35” | 15-39 cm
9.45”-23.62” | 24-60 cm
15”-39” | 38-99 cm
15-31 lb | 6.8-14 kg
1 year
Black Sea Hare
39.000
60.000
99.000
14.000
1.00
5800
GUIDE
3D
Black Sea Hare
.55”-.98” | 1.4-2.5 cm
.59”-1.18” | 1.5-3 cm
3.15”-5.91” | 8-15 cm
1-2 years
Black Slug
2.500
3.000
15.000
2.00
2900
GUIDE
3D
Black Slug
2.36”-3.15” | 6-8 cm
3.94”-4.53” | 10-11.5 cm
7.87”-9.84” | 20-25 cm
2-3 years
California Mussel
8.000
11.500
25.000
3.00
550
GUIDE
3D
California Mussel
.43”-1.06” | 1.1-2.7 cm
.43”-1.06” | 1.1-2.7 cm
.63”-1.5” | 1.6-3.8 cm
4-10 years
Common Periwinkle
2.700
2.700
3.800
10.00
3500
GUIDE
3D
Common Periwinkle
1.85”-2.56” | 4.7-6.5 cm
1.57”-2.36” | 4-6 cm
3.15”-4.33” | 8-11 cm
.11-.22 lb | .05-.1 kg
10-15 years
Common Whelk
6.500
6.000
11.000
0.100
15.00
2950
GUIDE
3D
Common Whelk
9.5”-2.6” | 2.4-6.6 cm
1.77”-4.92” | 4.5-12.5 cm
3”-8” | 7.6-20.3 cm
.88-1.98 lb | .4-.9 kg
10-20 years
Eastern Oyster
6.600
12.500
20.300
0.900
20.00
2000
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Oyster
.98”-1.77” | 2.5-4.5 cm
.98”-1.57” | 2.5-4 cm
1.97”-3.54” | 5-9 cm
.015-.03 lb | .007-.015 kg
2-5 years
Garden Snail
4.500
4.000
9.000
0.015
5.00
7100
GUIDE
3D
Garden Snail
3.46”-5.12” | 8.8-13 cm
3.54”-4.72” | 9-12 cm
7.87”-11.81” | 20-30 cm (Overall)
.44-1 lb | .2-.45 kg
5-9 years
Giant African Snail
13.000
12.000
30.000
0.450
9.00
10800
GUIDE
3D
Giant African Snail
3.15”-5.51” | 8-14 cm
3.15”-5.91” | 8-15 cm
5”-9” | 12.7-22.9 cm
.88-1.98 lb | .4-.9 kg
10-15 years
Knobbed Whelk
14.000
15.000
22.900
0.900
15.00
860
GUIDE
3D
Knobbed Whelk
.39”-.79” | 1-2 cm
.55”-1.02” | 1.4-2.6 cm
3.94”-7.87” | 10-20 cm
2-4 years
Leopard Slug
2.000
2.600
20.000
4.00
8200
GUIDE
3D
Leopard Slug
1.57”-8.27” | 4-21 cm
1.57”-8.27” | 4-21 cm
2.5”-16” | 6.4-40.6 cm
1.54-1.98 lb | .7-.9 kg
10-15 years
Lightning Whelk
21.000
21.000
40.600
0.900
15.00
1400
GUIDE
3D
Lightning Whelk
4.33”-9.06” | 11-23 cm
5.12”-9.84” | 13-25 cm
6”-12” | 15.2-30.5 cm
3-5 lb | 1.36-2.27 kg
20-40 years
Queen Conch
23.000
25.000
30.500
2.270
40.00
4300
GUIDE
3D
Queen Conch
1.57”-3.15” | 4-8 cm
3.94”-7.87” | 10-20 cm
5”-10” | 12.7-25.4 cm
1-2 lb | .45-.91 kg
30-40 years
White Abalone
8.000
20.000
25.400
0.910
40.00
790
GUIDE
3D
White Abalone
Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica)
Comparison drawing of the Eastern Oyster compared to other gastropods

The Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is a true oyster species native to the eastern seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico coast of North America. It is a bivalve mollusk with a hard calcium-carbonaceous shell that protects it from predators. Like other members of the same family, they can also make small pearls to surround particles that enter the shell. The pearls are insignificant in size and have no value. Like coral reef the Eastern Oyster’s oyster bed provides a habitat for a variety of species. As a filter feeder the Eastern Oyster sucks in water to filter out plankton and detritus to swallow; it then spits the water back out.

Eastern Oysters have a length between 3”-8” (7.6-20.3 cm), width from 1.77”-4.92” (4.5-12.5 cm), height of 9.5”-2.6” (2.4-6.6 cm), and weight in the range of .88-1.98 lb (.4-.9 kg). The typical lifespan of the Eastern Oyster is 10-20 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Eastern Oyster viewed from the front, side, and top
The Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is a true oyster species native to the eastern seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico coast of North America. It is a bivalve mollusk with a hard calcium-carbonaceous shell that protects it from predators. Like other members of the family, they can make pearls.

Eastern Oysters have a length between 3”-8” (7.6-20.3 cm), width from 1.77”-4.92” (4.5-12.5 cm), height of 9.5”-2.6” (2.4-6.6 cm), and weight in the range of .88-1.98 lb (.4-.9 kg). The typical lifespan of the Eastern Oyster is 10-20 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Eastern Oyster viewed from the front, side, and top
Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica)
Height:
9.5”-2.6” | 2.4-6.6 cm
Width:
1.77”-4.92” | 4.5-12.5 cm
Length:
3”-8” | 7.6-20.3 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.88-1.98 lb | .4-.9 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Crassostrea virginica
Lifespan
10-20 years

Drawings include:

Eastern Oyster side elevation, front, top

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Leopard Slug (Limax maximus)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Leopard Slug to other gastropods

The Leopard Slug (Limax maximus) is a slug species native to Europe. Its name translates to ”biggest slug”, as it is among the largest keeled slugs. It is commonly called the Leopard Slug for its light gray or gray-brown color with darker spots and blotches. However, the coloration and exact patterning of the body within the species is variable. Other physical features are a rounded body, pale foot-fringe, and long and slender tentacles. The Leopard Slug is a detrivore; it eats dead plants, fungi, and it is known to pursue other slugs.

Leopard Slugs have a length between 3.94”-7.87” (10-20 cm), body width from .55”-1.02” (1.4-2.6 cm), and height of .39”-.79” (1-2 cm). The typical lifespan of the Leopard Slug is 2-4 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Leopard Slug in multiple poses
The Leopard Slug (Limax maximus) is a slug species native to Europe. Its name translates to ”biggest slug”, as it is among the largest keeled slugs. It is commonly called the Leopard Slug for its light gray or gray-brown color with darker spots and blotches. However, the coloration and exact pattern

Leopard Slugs have a length between 3.94”-7.87” (10-20 cm), body width from .55”-1.02” (1.4-2.6 cm), and height of .39”-.79” (1-2 cm). The typical lifespan of the Leopard Slug is 2-4 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Leopard Slug in multiple poses
Leopard Slug (Limax maximus)
Height:
.39”-.79” | 1-2 cm
Width:
.55”-1.02” | 1.4-2.6 cm
Length:
3.94”-7.87” | 10-20 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Limax maximus
Lifespan
2-4 years

Drawings include:

Leopard Slug side elevation, front, top

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Lightning Whelk (Sinistrofulgur perversum)
Scale illustration of an average Lightning Whelk with compared to other gastropods

The Lightning Whelk (Sinistrofulgur perversum) is an edible marine gastropod mollusk. They are found in the sandy substrate of shallow embayments of the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States and southeastern North America, from New Jersey south to Florida. As a large predatory sea snail, it mostly eats bivalves by using its proboscis to ingest the soft parts. They are active during the daytime, and when feeding on mudflats, they prefer to stay in deeper waters. Native Americans have used Lightning Whelks for food, and used their shells for tools, ornaments, and to make jewelry. The species is the state shell of Texas.

Lightning Whelks have a length between 2.5”-16” (6.4-40.6 cm), width from 1.57”-8.27” (4-21 cm), height of 1.57”-8.27” (4-21 cm), and weight in the range of 1.54-1.98 lb (.7-.9 kg). The typical lifespan of the Lightning Whelk is 10-15 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Lightning Whelk seen from the side, front, and top
The Lightning Whelk (Sinistrofulgur perversum) is an edible marine gastropod mollusk. They are found in the sandy substrate of shallow embayments of the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States and southeastern North America, from New Jersey south to Florida.

Lightning Whelks have a length between 2.5”-16” (6.4-40.6 cm), width from 1.57”-8.27” (4-21 cm), height of 1.57”-8.27” (4-21 cm), and weight in the range of 1.54-1.98 lb (.7-.9 kg). The typical lifespan of the Lightning Whelk is 10-15 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Lightning Whelk seen from the side, front, and top
Lightning Whelk (Sinistrofulgur perversum)
Height:
1.57”-8.27” | 4-21 cm
Width:
1.57”-8.27” | 4-21 cm
Length:
2.5”-16” | 6.4-40.6 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1.54-1.98 lb | .7-.9 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Sinistrofulgur perversum
Lifespan
10-15 years

Drawings include:

Lightning Whelk side elevation, front, top

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Black Slug (Arion ater)
Scale illustration of an average Black Slug with compared to other gastropods

The Black Slug (Arion Ater) is a large terrestrial gastropod mollusk that is native to Europe. They are known to be deep black, and their pigmentation darkens with increasing latitude. Young Black Slugs are brown or ivory, and they turn gray before becoming black at maturity. Black Slugs are omnivores, and their diet includes fungi, carrion, earthworms, leaves, stems, and dead plant material. They produce three forms of mucus to prevent them from dying of dehydration. Thin mucus covers the slug laterally, and the thicker mucus is secreted along the length of the slug. The vile-tasting mucus scares of predators.

Black Slugs have a length between 3.15”-5.91” (8-15 cm), body width from .59”-1.18” (1.5-3 cm), and height of .55”-.98” (1.4-2.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Black Slug is 1-2 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Black Slug seen from the side, front, and top
The Black Slug (Arion Ater) is a large terrestrial gastropod mollusk that is native to Europe. They are known to be deep black, and their pigmentation darkens with increasing latitude. Young Black Slugs are brown or ivory, and they turn gray before becoming black at maturity.

Black Slugs have a length between 3.15”-5.91” (8-15 cm), body width from .59”-1.18” (1.5-3 cm), and height of .55”-.98” (1.4-2.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Black Slug is 1-2 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Black Slug seen from the side, front, and top
Black Slug (Arion ater)
Height:
.55”-.98” | 1.4-2.5 cm
Width:
.59”-1.18” | 1.5-3 cm
Length:
3.15”-5.91” | 8-15 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Arion ater
Lifespan
1-2 years

Drawings include:

Black Slug side elevation, front, top

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Common Periwinkle (Littorina littorea)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Common Periwinkle to other gastropods

The Common Periwinkle (Littorina littorea) is a small edible sea snail and a marine gastropod mollusk that has gills and an operculum. They are native to the northeastern rocky shores, and they were introduced to the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. The shell of the Common Periwinkle is broadly ovate, thick, and sharply pointed except when eroded. It has six to seven whorls with some fine thread and wrinkles. The coloration can be gray to gray-brown with dark spiral bands, and the inside of the shell is chocolate brown. The species is omnivorous and primarily grazes on algae, but it will also eat small invertebrates like barnacle larvae.

Common Periwinkles have a length between .63”-1.5” (1.6-3.8 cm), width from .43”-1.06” (1.1-2.7 cm), and height of .43”-1.06” (1.1-2.7 cm). The typical lifespan of the Common Periwinkle is 4-10 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Periwinkle in multiple poses
The Common Periwinkle (Littorina littorea) is a small edible sea snail and a marine gastropod mollusk that has gills and an operculum. They are native to the northeastern rocky shores, and they were introduced to the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. The shell of the Common Periwinkle is broadly ovate.

Common Periwinkles have a length between .63”-1.5” (1.6-3.8 cm), width from .43”-1.06” (1.1-2.7 cm), and height of .43”-1.06” (1.1-2.7 cm). The typical lifespan of the Common Periwinkle is 4-10 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Periwinkle in multiple poses
Common Periwinkle (Littorina littorea)
Height:
.43”-1.06” | 1.1-2.7 cm
Width:
.43”-1.06” | 1.1-2.7 cm
Length:
.63”-1.5” | 1.6-3.8 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Littorina littorea
Lifespan
4-10 years

Drawings include:

Common Periwinkle side elevation, front, top

Details & Downloads

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