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Seashells - Gastropods


Natural History Museum > Seashells - Gastropods

submitted by Museum Administration on 17.10.2003

Murex Opercula

Murex Opercula
Copyright (2003) Kythera Museum Of Natural History

Most univalves (single-shelled snails) have a little ‘door’ called an operculum, made of a horny substance and attached to the snail’s foot. When the snail retreats into its shell, this little door shuts neatly behind it, sealing the opening with the animal safely inside. Pictured are two fine, brittle opercula from murex shells. Photograph © James Prineas, 2003

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