molluskivore

A molluskivore is an animal that feeds primarily on mollusks. This dietary specialization means that their digestive systems and physical adaptations are suited for consuming the soft bodies and often hard shells of snails, clams, mussels, oysters, and other members of the phylum Mollusca.

The term "molluskivore" is descriptive rather than a strict taxonomic classification. Many animals exhibit molluskivory as part of a broader diet, while others are more exclusively dedicated to it. For example, some birds, such as certain shorebirds and ducks, are molluskivores, using their beaks to pry open or crush shells. Marine mammals like sea otters are also known molluskivores, employing tools like rocks to break open shellfish. Some fish species, particularly those with specialized jaw structures or pharyngeal teeth, are adapted to feeding on mollusks. In the invertebrate world, certain cephalopods and even some insects can be molluskivores.

The ability to consume mollusks often depends on the predator's physical capabilities to overcome the mollusk's defenses, primarily its shell. This can involve crushing, prying, or extracting the soft body from its protective casing. The availability of mollusks in an ecosystem plays a significant role in the diets and survival of molluskivorous species.