Field Guide
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Elephant Snail
Elephant snails are a type of semi-rare solitary marine snail (mollusc) and look like a black slug with a small white, shield-like shell on their backs.
Size
70 - 150 mm
What to Observe
Search area for 30 minutes and record the following:
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Abundant: found easily with little searching
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Frequent: found with minimal searching
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Rare: only 1 or 2 individuals found with intensive searching
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Not found: not present during search
When and Where
When To Look
- Throughout the year
Where To Look
- Geraldton in Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and NSW up to Bowen in Queensland
- Common on rocky shores, around the low tide level
- Found in rock pools, water-filled crevices and under rocks
- Can tolerate mild exposure, but prefer moist conditions
What Else?
The shell never covers the full length of their bodies and their body can sometimes fold up and completely cover the shell.
