California Horn Snail

Cerithidea californica

At low tide, you can see the pretty, spiral shells of Horn snails scattered across the mudflats like pebbles among the claws of feeding shorebirds. Like many other snails, the California Horn snail has a “door” called an operculum, with which it seals itself inside the shell to keep from drying out.

Fun Fact:
If it gets too dry on the mudflats, horn snails simply seal their doors and wait for higher tide.

What’s for Lunch:
Algae and bits of decaying organic matter

Where’s Home:
A tough but stylish shell