1. Critters of the
Chesapeake Bay
Whelks

2. Whelks are marine snails or gastropod mollusks.

3. Whelks are most common along our coast and near the mouth of the bay.

4. Whelks
These mollusks are carnivorous predators, feeding on clams and other shellfish.

5. Whelks
Two main types of Whelks are found in the Chesapeake Bay region.
The Channeled Whelk is shown here.

6. The Knobbed Whelk is shown here.
Whelks
The Knobbed Whelk is shown here.

7. Some Basic Whelk Anatomy
Apex
Whorls
Aperture

8. Some Basic Whelk Anatomy
A live whelk will have a plate called an operculum that can be used to seal the aperture and keep the animal safe.

9. Whelks
Whelks produce a long necklace like egg case that is anchored to the bottom of the sea.

10. Whelks
Each capsule will contain from one to 99 eggs that will develop into baby whelks.

11. Whelks
After strong storms, some of the egg cases wash up on our local beaches.

12. Whelks
With a little practice, the Knobbed Whelk’s egg case can be distinguished from the Channeled Whelk’s egg case.

13. The Rappa Whelk is actually an alien species that is native to Japan.
Whelks
The Rappa Whelk is actually an alien species that is native to Japan.

14. Whelks
In recent years, it has showed up in the lower bay and threatens the native species of mollusks.