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
Giant African Snail (Achatina achatina)
Scale illustration of an average Giant African Snail with compared to other gastropods

The Giant African Snail (Achatina fulica) is a large land snail that has been a significant cause in pest issues around the world. As a voracious feeder, the Giant African Snail eats a wide range of plant material, and it is a vector for plant pathogens which causes severe damage to agricultural crops and native plants. The species thrives in many types of habitats with mild climates. Physically, they have a conical shell, and the coloration is highly variable and dependent on diet. Usually it is brown, and the shell is banded.

Giant African Snails have an overall length between 7.87”-11.81” (20-30 cm), width from 3.54”-4.72” (9-12 cm), overall height of 3.46”-5.12” (8.8-13 cm), and weight in the range of .44-1 lb (.2-.45 kg). Their shell length is commonly between 5.9”-8” (15-20.3 cm) with a height of 2.75”-3.94” (7-10 cm). The typical lifespan of the Giant African Snail is 5-9 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Giant African Snail seen from the side, front, and top
The Giant African Snail (Achatina fulica) is a large land snail that has been a significant cause in pest issues around the world. As a voracious feeder, the Giant African Snail eats a wide range of plant material, and it is a vector for plant pathogens which causes severe damage to agriculture.

Giant African Snails have an overall length between 7.87”-11.81” (20-30 cm), width from 3.54”-4.72” (9-12 cm), overall height of 3.46”-5.12” (8.8-13 cm), and weight in the range of .44-1 lb (.2-.45 kg). Their shell length is commonly between 5.9”-8” (15-20.3 cm) with a height of 2.75”-3.94” (7-10 cm). The typical lifespan of the Giant African Snail is 5-9 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Giant African Snail seen from the side, front, and top
Giant African Snail (Achatina achatina)
Height:
3.46”-5.12” | 8.8-13 cm
Width:
3.54”-4.72” | 9-12 cm
Length:
7.87”-11.81” | 20-30 cm (Overall)
Depth:
Weight:
.44-1 lb | .2-.45 kg
Area:

Shell Height: 2.75”-3.94” | 7-10 cm

Shell Length: 5.9”-8” | 15-20.3 cm

Scientific Name
Achatina achatina
Lifespan
5-9 years

Drawings include:

Giant African Snail 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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Queen Conch (Strombus gigas)
Comparison drawing of the Queen Conch compared to other gastropods

The Queen Conch (Aliger gigas) is a large edible sea snail. It has a very large, solid, and heavy shell with knob-like spines on the shoulder. Other characteristics are a flared, thick outer lip, pink or orange aperture, and a sandy exterior that helps to blend with the surroundings. They are native to the Caribbean Sea, and found in the tropical northwestern Atlantic, from Bermuda to Brazil. As a herbivore the Queen Conch feeds by browsing for plant and algal material that grows in seagrass beds. It will also scavenge for decaying plant matter.

Queen Conchs have a length between 6”-12” (15.2-30.5 cm), width from 5.12”-9.84” (13-25 cm), height of 4.33”-9.06” (11-23 cm), and weight in the range of 3-5 lb (1.36-2.27 kg). The typical lifespan of the Queen Conch is 20-40 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Queen Conch viewed from the front, side, and top
The Queen Conch (Aliger gigas) is a large edible sea snail. It has a very large, solid, and heavy shell with knob-like spines on the shoulder. Other characteristics are a flared, thick outer lip, pink or orange aperture, and a sandy exterior that helps to blend with the surroundings.

Queen Conchs have a length between 6”-12” (15.2-30.5 cm), width from 5.12”-9.84” (13-25 cm), height of 4.33”-9.06” (11-23 cm), and weight in the range of 3-5 lb (1.36-2.27 kg). The typical lifespan of the Queen Conch is 20-40 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Queen Conch viewed from the front, side, and top
Queen Conch (Strombus gigas)
Height:
4.33”-9.06” | 11-23 cm
Width:
5.12”-9.84” | 13-25 cm
Length:
6”-12” | 15.2-30.5 cm
Depth:
Weight:
3-5 lb | 1.36-2.27 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Strombus gigas
Lifespan
20-40 years

Drawings include:

Queen Conch side elevation, front, top

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White Abalone (Haliotis sorenseni)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a White Abalone to other gastropods

The White Abalone (Haliotis sorenseni) is a large sea snail and marine gastropod mollusk. They are found in open low and high relief rock or boulder habitats that are interspersed with sand channels. Historically they ranged from Point Conception, California to Baja California on the offshore islands, but since the mid-1990s there are low numbers of isolated survivors along the mainland coast in Santa Barbara. Physically the shell has three to five open holes, and it is oval-shaped, thin, and deep. As a herbivore the White Abalone grazes mainly on microalgae.

White Abalones have a length between 5”-10” (12.7-25.4 cm), width from 3.94”-7.87” (10-20 cm), height of 1.57”-3.15” (4-8 cm), and weight in the range of 1-2 lb (.45-.91 kg). The typical lifespan of the White Abalone is 30-40 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of White Abalone in multiple poses
The White Abalone (Haliotis sorenseni) is a large sea snail and marine gastropod mollusk. They are found in open low and high relief rock or boulder habitats that are interspersed with sand channels. Historically they ranged from Point Conception, CA to Baja California on the offshore islands.

White Abalones have a length between 5”-10” (12.7-25.4 cm), width from 3.94”-7.87” (10-20 cm), height of 1.57”-3.15” (4-8 cm), and weight in the range of 1-2 lb (.45-.91 kg). The typical lifespan of the White Abalone is 30-40 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of White Abalone in multiple poses
White Abalone (Haliotis sorenseni)
Height:
1.57”-3.15” | 4-8 cm
Width:
3.94”-7.87” | 10-20 cm
Length:
5”-10” | 12.7-25.4 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1-2 lb | .45-.91 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Haliotis sorenseni
Lifespan
30-40 years

Drawings include:

White Abalone 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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