For Todays lesson, Gastropods!

One of the few things I am pretty good it at is intertidal systems. When it comes to identifying any type of species and remembering their names; you need to have a few tricks up your sleeve. 


So today we shall be looking at 3 different types of Gastropods (sea snails) which all look very similar. These can all be found in intertidal systems in Victoria, Australia (and sometimes elsewhere in AUS)..


These 3 are:
Warrener: Turbo undulatus
Conniwink: Bermbicium nanum
Ribbed Top Shell: Austrocochlea constricta

Apart from the shape differences, these are 3 commonly confused species. Their patterns are slightly different but similar enough that at a size of 2cm in the field, easily missed details. The thickness of the line 

 Warrener: Turbo undulatus
These have thick black lines with thin white lines. This one is bigger than the other two species listed here. These ones always have a green tinge to them. I always remember that the scientific name for this starts with turbo. Which then makes me remember if you are underwater in war, to attack the enemy you use a turbo missile = Warrener: Turbo undulatus 
This might not work for you, but it's a handy memory trick you can use for most species of any type

 Ribbed Top Shell: Austrocochlea constricta
This has the same thickness of black and white lines, some variations aren't always thin lined. The shell on the left shows that there are ones which have thick black and white lines instead of thin ones. If the shell has the same sizing in its line pattern and (this will seem super obvious) ribbed feeling to it; it's the ribbed top shell. And this species is constricted to Australia.. you see where this is going

Conniwink: Bermbicium nanum
Thick white lines with thin black lines. The shape of it is between the ribbed and the warrener. So if you can't pick the difference between the two, and it has this pattern. Ta-Da! So for me, I get confused... get it?


So there is your intertidal lesson for the day! When exploring around intertidal systems, if you want to lift up a rock to look under it; make sure you ALWAYS lift it facing away from you. There are some dangerous things in rock pools and it's best to have something between you and it.


Happy exploring! I will do an intertidal lesson at least once a week I think. Any specific animal you want me cover? Let me know!