Large teardrop shaped shell up to 100mm. Spire blunt, 5-6 very rounded whorls. Shell white or cream, porcellaneous, nearly smooth. Periostracum thin, may be rubbed off. Mouth oval, no siphonal canal, thin nacreous callus extends over last whorl, outer lip flared widely in adults.
Key identification features
- Smooth white shell
- Bulbous apex
- Thin nacreous callus extends from mouth over the last whorl
Similar species
- Buccinum undatum Sinuous vertical costae, aperture rounded, strong short siphonal canal
- Neptunea antiqua Apex not bulbous, aperture more constricted, shorter siphonal canal
- Beringius turtoni Corded spiral sculpture, skinny upper spire, uncoiled look
Ecology and behaviour
Lives on soft bottoms. Preys on echinoderms
Distribution and status
North Atlantic, northern North Sea