Elephant Snail

Scutus antipodes

Scutus antipodes - Elephant Snail
map Distribution
image_search Terms and anatomy

Size: 12 cm

Distribution: All SA coastal and gulf waters

Habitat: Rocky reef and coast under rocks

Depth: Lower intertidal to 10+ metres

Scutus antipodes - Elephant Snail
Scutus antipodes - Elephant Snail
Scutus antipodes - Elephant Snail

This large snail is actually a species of keyhole limpet (family Fissurellidae). It has a long whitish shell without a central aperture (keyhole), although the shell can be completely covered by the jet black mantle.