Description: This scaphopod reaches up to 6 cm in length. The thick shell is white and is very distinctively shaped like an elephant tusk, with a slight curve towards the end. Both ends of the shell are open. There are prominent striations visible at the narrow end of the shell.

Habitat: Usually found on sandy sediments.

Distribution: Uncommon in Britain and Ireland, usually only recorded on SW coasts, with some records from western Ireland.

Similar Species: Could be confused with Antalis entalis which has a thinner, smooth shell which is markedly tapered and distinctly curved.

Key Identification Features:

• Distinctive shell, shaped like an elephant tusk.
• White shell, open at both ends.
• Thick shell with slight curve.
• Prominent striations visible at narrow end.

Distribution Map from NBN: Antalis vulgaris at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Antalis vulgaris at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Antalis vulgaris

WoRMS: Antalis vulgaris at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Antalis vulgaris (da Costa, 1778). AphiaID: 196380.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Mollusca; Scaphopoda; Dentaliida; Dentaliidae; Antalis