Live Stimpson’s Whelk (Colus stimpsoni) Please Note: This is a live marine specimen.
The Stimpson’s Whelk (Colus stimpsoni) is a deep-water gastropod commonly found in the lower intertidal zones and offshore habitats of the Gulf of Maine. Known for its nut-brown shell with creamy white accents, this carnivorous snail uses its strong proboscis to feed on bivalves and other invertebrates. Its sturdy, elegant shell and fascinating feeding behavior make it an excellent choice for aquariums, marine education, and research settings.
Each specimen is sustainably hand-collected from Maine’s cold coastal waters, ensuring quality and ecological responsibility.
Common name: Stimpson’s whelk Scientific name:Colus stimpsoni Locations: Lower intertidal or deep water Seasonality: Available year round Colors: Nut brown with white shelled areas Size: 1” – 3” Collected: By hand, lobster traps, or whelk pots Quantity: Sold by the each
Uses: Ideal for aquariums, classroom study, marine biology research, or as a fascinating live display specimen.
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com.
Live Stimpson’s Whelk (Colus stimpsoni) Please Note: This is a live marine specimen.
The Stimpson’s Whelk (Colus stimpsoni) is a deep-water gastropod commonly found in the lower intertidal zones and offshore habitats of the Gulf of Maine. Known for its nut-brown shell with creamy white accents, this carnivorous snail uses its strong proboscis to feed on bivalves and other invertebrates. Its sturdy, elegant shell and fascinating feeding behavior make it an excellent choice for aquariums, marine education, and research settings.
Each specimen is sustainably hand-collected from Maine’s cold coastal waters, ensuring quality and ecological responsibility.
Common name: Stimpson’s whelk Scientific name:Colus stimpsoni Locations: Lower intertidal or deep water Seasonality: Available year round Colors: Nut brown with white shelled areas Size: 1” – 3” Collected: By hand, lobster traps, or whelk pots Quantity: Sold by the each
Uses: Ideal for aquariums, classroom study, marine biology research, or as a fascinating live display specimen.
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com.
Two snails. You can observe broke threads of a mussel on the spire of the righthand snail. A mussel was anchored to it at some point.
Tidepool Tim says, “Stimpson's whelk is an impressive snail - they are so unique in their shell design that they are striking to see. We get lots of hermit crabs living in their shells. Flat-clawed, Acadian, and hairy hermits seem to inhabit them. Barnacles, hydroids, & slipper shells like to attach to their shells. These scavengers are attracted to lobster bait in traps and consequently are caught there. We get them in our whelk traps and also when we take bottom samples. These gastropods make a nice addition to any salt water aquarium!”
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