Buccinum

Buccinum is a genus of medium to large sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Buccinidae. These snails are commonly known as whelks. They are found in temperate and cold waters of the Northern Hemisphere, with a wide distribution across the Arctic, North Atlantic, and North Pacific oceans.

The shells of Buccinum species are typically ovate or spindle-shaped, with a well-developed spire and a relatively large aperture. The surface of the shell is often sculptured with axial ribs and sometimes spiral cords. The color of the shell can vary, but is often a dull white, gray, or brown, and may be covered by a periostracum, a yellowish or brownish outer layer.

Buccinum whelks are predatory or scavengers, feeding on a variety of invertebrates such as bivalves, polychaete worms, and other gastropods. They are also known to scavenge on dead animal matter. Their radula, a ribbon-like structure with teeth, is adapted for drilling into the shells of their prey or for scraping food.

Several species within the Buccinum genus are of commercial importance, particularly Buccinum undatum, the common whelk, which is harvested for food in many parts of Europe and North America. These snails play a role in marine ecosystems as both predators and prey. They are preyed upon by larger marine animals such as seals, sea otters, and certain fish.