Turbinella is a genus of very large sea snails with an operculum, marine gastropod mollusks in the subfamily Turbinellinae of the family Turbinellidae. These species are sometimes known as "chanks" or "chank shells". One species in this genus is the sacred chank, Turbinella pyrum; see "Shankha" for the cultural and religious use of the shell of that species.

Distribution

Species in this genus are found worldwide, mostly in tropical shallow waters.

Description

Most species have massive shells with three or four prominent columellar plicae. The smooth shell is thick and obconic. The body whorl is large. The spire is obtuse. The apex is papillary. The aperture is oblong and narrow. The siphonal canal is long and straight. The columella sgows several strong transverse plaits in the middle. The outer lip is thin and simple.

Species

Species within the genus Turbinella include: