nilviäiset

Nilviäiset are a group of marine gastropod mollusks belonging to the family Buccinidae, commonly known as whelks or true whelks. These predatory sea snails are found in cold waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, particularly around Scandinavian countries, Iceland, and northern British Isles.

The most well-known species is the king whelk (Buccinum undatum), which can grow up to 15 centimeters in shell length. Nilviäiset typically inhabit sandy or gravelly seabeds at depths ranging from shallow coastal waters to several hundred meters. Their conical, robust shells are usually white or pale yellow with brown spiral bands.

These gastropods are carnivorous predators that feed primarily on other mollusks, worms, and carrion. They use their strong, muscular foot to move along the seafloor and their radula, a tongue-like organ covered in tiny teeth, to drill holes through the shells of their prey. Some species are also known to scavenge for dead organic matter.

Nilviäiset reproduce sexually, with separate male and female individuals. Females lay egg capsules that are often deposited in protective masses on hard surfaces. The development from egg to juvenile typically involves a free-swimming larval stage.

Commercially, certain species of nilviäiset are harvested for food, particularly in Nordic countries where they are considered a delicacy. The meat is firm and has a mild, sweet flavor. However, their populations are carefully managed due to their slow growth rates and sensitivity to overfishing.

In marine ecosystems, nilviäiset serve as both predators and prey, playing an important role in maintaining the balance of benthic communities. They are preyed upon by various fish species, crabs, and marine mammals.