Thick topshell

Thick topshell ©Nigel Phillips

Thick topshells

Thick topshells ©Nigel Phillips

Thick topshell

Enw gwyddonol: Phorcus lineatus

The thick topshell is a common sight on rocky shores in Wales and South West England.

Top facts

Stats

Height: Up to 3cm

Conservation status

Common

Pryd i'w gweld

January to December

Ynghylch

The thick topshell, also known as the toothed topshell, is found on rocky shores as far south as Morocco. North Wales is the upper limit of its range. They live on the mid shore, grazing on algae on the rocks at high tide.

What to look for

A conical whorled shell, pale grey in colour with a maroon zig-zag pattern and mother of pearl on the inside. It can be distinguished from similar, snail-like periwinkles and topshells by the 'tooth' just inside the mouth of the shell.

Where to find

Found on rocky shores around Wales and South West England.

Habitats

Coastal

Roeddech chi yn gwybod?

Topshells get their name because the shell is shaped like an old-fashioned spinning top.