This is a Red Whelk (Neptunea antiqua), a large species of sea snail in the family Buccinidae. Its shell is typically pale with reddish or orange tones, giving the species its common name. The shell is robust, spiral-shaped, and can grow up to 20 cm in length.

Location:
Northeastern Atlantic Ocean, including British coastal waters, ranging from Norway to Portugal. Found on muddy or sandy seabeds, usually at depths of 20 to 1,200 metres.

Average Size:
Up to approximately 20 cm in length.

Family:
Buccinidae (True Whelks)

Species:
Neptunea antiqua

Ecological Role:
The Red Whelk is a scavenger and predator, feeding on dead animals and slow-moving invertebrates. It plays an important role in recycling nutrients within marine ecosystems.

Reproduction:
Separate sexes; fertilisation is internal. Females lay egg capsules on hard surfaces on the seabed. Juveniles develop directly within the capsules, emerging as miniature adults.

Conservation Status:
Not currently listed as threatened, but populations can be impacted by overfishing and bycatch. In some areas, Red Whelks are commercially harvested for human consumption.