The iridescent operculum protects the spirally wound shell like a cork plugged in an aged wine bottle. This snail has a round, white operculum that protects it from the heavy surf and lurking predators. You can find these operculums strewn on the beaches especially after heavy surf. These moon-shaped shells are used in jewelry and are commonly called “cat’s eyes.”

-Angela Crandall

Hovering slowly over a mountain of polka dots, the cowry’s shell protects the snail like the security of a blanket. Cowries eat algae and control them from getting out of hand. The cowry has an important role in the intertidal by keeping a leash on algae as it feeds on them. If cowries don’t show up for work, algae may take over smothering the other organisms.

-Brittney Valverde

The Snakehead Cowrie cruises like a kid with nothing better to do, eating at a pace of its own. It controls algae populations throughout the Hawaiian Islands using its radul, a specialized foot-like tongue to scrape algae off rocks. Millions of tourists love these creatures for their vivid colorations and stunning patterns. Not only are these shells valued for their beauty, but they create excellent lures for octopus fishing, truly a unique organism.

-Michael Fedorka

In the intertidal where it can be found, this mollusk has a pretty large opening for its foot to come out. Although it has a fairly large size, it moves very sluggishly. This mollusk is gifted with this quality - not only can it pop its foot in and out, but its body can also go back inside and use its shell for protection in case of predators. Certain snails don’t have shells for protection like this mollusk does.

-Trisha Okuma