Engina

Common names

Common names for snails in this genus include:

• Engina snails
• Engina whelks

Characteristics

The shells of Engina snails are typically small to medium in size, with a turreted spire. They are often thick and solid, with a smooth or slightly sculptured surface. The aperture is oval or pear-shaped, and the outer lip is usually thickened.

Environments

Engina snails are found in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. They are often found in rocky or coral reef habitats. Some species prefer sandy bottoms, and others are found in mangrove swamps. They are carnivores, feeding on a variety of small marine organisms, including other snails, worms, and crustaceans.

References

World Register of Marine Species

Global Biodiversity Information Facility