Shell Research

After some research guided by enature.com, I learned that my shell is an example of a Kellet's Whelk shell. Kellet's Whelk, or Kelletia kelletii, are from the family Buccinidae, Whelks. This type of shell grows to anywhere from 3-6.5 inches long and is usually a yellow or gray color. It has a spiral shape and rounded knobs that only protrude from one end of its form.

This type of snail shell is usually found in salt water that ranges from 10 to 400 feet deep where it is a scavenger. They can be found where rocks or gravel are present, and sometimes where there are beds of kelp. They have been known to be found along the Californian coast as far down as the Baja region. The Kellet's Whelk was named after Captain Sir Henry Kellett, a British commander.