Turbinella

Turbinella is a genus of large sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Turbinellidae. These snails are characterized by their heavy, fusiform shells, which are often ornamented with knobs or spines. The aperture of the shell is typically narrow and elongated, with a prominent varix, a thickened rib that runs along the outer lip. The columella, the inner lip of the aperture, is folded.

Species within the genus Turbinella are found in tropical and subtropical waters, primarily in the Indo-Pacific region. They are benthic, meaning they live on the seafloor, and are often found in shallow to moderately deep waters, inhabiting sandy or muddy substrates, as well as coral reefs. Turbinella snails are predatory, feeding on other invertebrates such as bivalves and other gastropods.

The most well-known species in this genus is Turbinella angulata, commonly known as the Chank shell or divine conch. This species is culturally significant in Hinduism and Buddhism, where its shell is used as a sacred instrument for blowing and in rituals. The shells have also been historically used as decorative items and for crafting. The genus Turbinella is distinct from the genus Tonna, which also has large, heavy shells but belongs to a different family.