Introducing our live channeled whelks, a true delicacy of the Atlantic coast. Often referred to as "smooth conch" due to their resemblance and similar culinary use, these large marine snails are a prized catch for seafood lovers. Our whelks are sustainably harvested from the cold waters of New England and beyond, with a range that extends from Canada all the way down to northern Florida, making them a staple of East Coast cuisine.

While often mistaken for "true conch," which are typically found in tropical waters, channeled whelks are a different species entirely. Their name comes from the distinct, smooth channel that runs along the spire of their pear-shaped shell, setting them apart from their more famous, knobbed counterparts.

1. Knobbed Whelk vs. Channeled Whelk: The most well-known conch is the Queen Conch from the Caribbean. However, along the East Coast, the most common varieties are the Channeled Whelk and the Knobbed Whelk. The Channeled Whelk is notable for its smooth shell and deep groove, while the Knobbed Whelk has a more pronounced, spiky shell. Both offer a delicious and firm-textured meat, but the channeled whelk is particularly prized for its tenderness when cooked correctly.
2. A Slow-Growing Delicacy: These animals are known for being slow to mature, with females reaching sexual maturity at around 8-9 years old. This makes sustainable harvesting practices, like those we employ, crucial for the health of the species.

Snail Size: 10 - 12 Oz ( 5 - 8 in)