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A '''whelk''' is a large marine [[gastropod]] ([[snail]]) found in temperate waters.  Whelks are sometimes confused with [[conch|conches]]. While both are gastropods they differ in shell morphology with whelks having smaller more slender shells while conch typically have a broader shell with more exaggerated knobs, Also conches tend to be more [[tropical]] [[vegetarians]] while whelks are [[carnivorous]] and [[temperate]].  

The '''whelk''' or '''buckie''' is a large marine [[gastropod]] ([[snail]]) found in temperate waters.  Whelks are sometimes confused with [[conch|conches]]. While both are gastropods they differ in shell morphology with whelks having smaller more slender shells while conch typically have a broader shell with more exaggerated knobs, Also conches tend to be more [[tropical]] [[vegetarians]] while whelks are [[carnivorous]] and [[temperate]].  

Whelks are [[scavengers]] and [[carnivores]], equipped with an extensible [[proboscis]] that is tipped with a file-like [[radula]]. The radula is used to bore holes through the shells of [[clam]]s, [[crabs]] and [[lobster|lobsters]]. They also have a large, muscular foot with which they hold their victims. Like other [[mollusk]]s, whelks have a [[mantle (mollusc)|mantle]], a thin layer of tissue located between the body and the shell that creates the shell. Whelks build their hard shells from the [[calcium carbonate]] they extract from the seas. The shells can grow up to 9.5 inches (24 cm) long.  

Whelks are [[scavengers]] and [[carnivores]], equipped with an extensible [[proboscis]] that is tipped with a file-like [[radula]]. The radula is used to bore holes through the shells of [[clam]]s, [[crabs]] and [[lobster|lobsters]]. They also have a large, muscular foot with which they hold their victims. Like other [[mollusk]]s, whelks have a [[mantle (mollusc)|mantle]], a thin layer of tissue located between the body and the shell that creates the shell. Whelks build their hard shells from the [[calcium carbonate]] they extract from the seas. The shells can grow up to 9.5 inches (24 cm) long.  

===Whelk Trivia===

===Whelk Trivia===

Whelks (Buccinum undatum) are a shellfood eaten around the world, and you can find them in just about any restaurant. They are best served boiled in sea water.

*Whelks (Buccinum undatum) are a shellfood eaten around the world, and you can find them in just about any restaurant. They are best served boiled in sea water.

In parts of southern [[Europe]] whelks are thought to be an aphrodisiac.   

*In parts of southern [[Europe]] whelks are thought to be an aphrodisiac.   

[[Queen Victoria]] of [[England]] was said to be fond of whelks.  Other whelk fans include the singer [[Madonna]] and former First Lady [[Nancy Regan]]

*[[Queen Victoria]] of [[England]] was said to be fond of whelks.  Other whelk fans include the singer [[Madonna]] and former First Lady [[Nancy Regan]]

Another name for whelk in the [[United States]] is ''scungilli''. The name is an Italian-American corruption of the [[Neapolitan]] word, sconciglio.  

*Another name for whelk in the [[United States]] is ''scungilli''. The name is an Italian-American corruption of the [[Neapolitan]] word, sconciglio.  

Whelks are classified in various families in the infraorder [[Neogastropoda]].

*Whelks are classified in various families in the infraorder [[Neogastropoda]].