UK Seas

Discover the wonderful sea creatures that inhabit the UK seas and shores

UK seas is a guide to the fauna and flora found around UK coasts. While the majority of species are marine, some species are included that are regularly encountered on land by the coast, so you’ll find descriptions of non-marine species such as reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants as well.

Edible periwinkle

Littorina littorea

Type

Molluscs, Shells

Description

Tough, round shell usually dark brown, black or grey.

Grazes on algae on rocks leaving a crazed trail showing where it has fed.

Location

Common everywhere, found in large numbers on rocky shores,

Habitat

Rocky shore, Middle shore, Lower shore, Rock pools