BIOTIC Species Information for Buccinum spp.
Researched byDr Paul Somerfield & Prof. Richard Warwick Data supplied byPML
Refereed byThis information is not refereed
Taxonomy
Scientific nameBuccinum spp. Common nameA whelk
MCS CodeW704 Recent Synonyms

PhylumMollusca Subphylum
Superclass ClassGastropoda
SubclassProsobranchia OrderNeogastropoda
Suborder FamilyBuccinidae
GenusBuccinum Species
Subspecies   

Additional Information
Taxonomy References Howson & Picton, 1997,
General Biology
Growth form Feeding method
Mobility/Movement Environmental position
Typical food typesCarrion, bivalves, worms etc HabitFree living
Bioturbator FlexibilityNone (< 10 degrees)
FragilityRobust SizeSmall-medium(3-10cm)
Height68 mm Growth RateNot researched
Adult dispersal potential1km-10km DependencyIndependent
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional Information
Biology References Fish & Fish, 1996, Graham, 1988,
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & IrelandFound on all British and Irish coasts.
Global distributionFound in north-west Europe from Iceland and northern Norway to the Bay of Biscay.
Biogeographic rangeCold temperate to temperate. Depth rangeLWST to 1200 m.
MigratoryNon-migratory / Resident   
Distribution Additional Information

Substratum preferences Physiographic preferences
Biological zone Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow Salinity
Habitat Preferences Additional Information
Distribution References Foster-Smith, 2000, Graham, 1988,
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive type Developmental mechanism
Reproductive SeasonOctober to May Reproductive LocationAs adult
Reproductive frequency Regeneration potential No
Life span6-10 years Age at reproductive maturityInsufficient information
Generation timeNot researched Fecundity3,000-20,000
Egg/propagule size250 µm Fertilization typeInternal
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potentialNot researched Larval settlement periodNot relevant
Duration of larval stageNot relevant   
Reproduction Preferences Additional Information
Reproduction References Fish & Fish, 1996, Graham, 1988,
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