Malacology is the branch of invertebrate zoology that deals with the study of the Mollusca, the second-largest phylum of animals in terms of described species after the arthropods. Mollusks include snails and slugs, clams, and cephalopods, along with numerous other kinds, many of which have shells. Malacology derives from Ancient Greek μαλακός (malakós) 'soft', and -λογία (-logía).
Conchology is the study of mollusc shells. Conchology is one aspect of malacology, the study of molluscs; however, malacology is the study of molluscs as whole organisms, whereas conchology is confined to the study of their shells. It includes the study of land and freshwater mollusc shells as well as seashells and extends to the study of a gastropod's operculum.
Ruth Dixon Turner was a pioneering U.S. marine biologist and malacologist. She was the world's expert on Teredinidae or shipworms, a taxonomic family of wood-boring bivalve mollusks which severely damage wooden marine installations.
Robert Tucker Abbott was an American conchologist (seashells) and malacologist (molluscs). He was the author of more than 30 books on malacology, which have been translated into many languages.
Calliostoma is a genus of small to medium-sized sea snails with gills and an operculum, marine gastropod molluscs within the family Calliostomatidae, the Calliostoma top snails. Previously this genus was placed within the family Trochidae. Calliostoma is the type genus of the family Calliostomatidae.
The Pinnidae are a taxonomic family of large saltwater clams sometimes known as pen shells. They are marine bivalve molluscs in the order Pteriida.
Mya is a genus of saltwater clams, marine bivalve molluscs in the family Myidae. They are widespread and abundant in northern waters. Commonly known as Ipswich clams, soft-shell clam or steamers, they are routinely used as a food source for humans.
William James Clench was an American malacologist, professor at Harvard University and curator of the mollusk collection in the malacology department of the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard.
Voluta ebraea, common name the Hebrew volute, is a species of medium-sized sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Volutidae, the volutes. The Hebrew volute is endemic to Brazil, where it is collected both for food and for its shell, which is highly desired for ornamental purposes. Recent studies indicate that natural populations of Voluta ebraea may be suffering declines due to overfishing and overexploitation.
Melongena corona, common name the Florida crown conch, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Melongenidae, the crown conches and their allies.
Conus amphiurgus, common name the amphiurgus cone, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies.
Conus stimpsoni, common name Stimpson's cone, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies.
Calliostoma jeanneae is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Calliostomatidae.
Calliostoma oregon, common name the Oregon Atlantic top shell, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Calliostomatidae.
Calliostoma springeri, commonly known as Springer's top shell, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Calliostomatidae.
Plicopurpura patula is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails.
Charles Willison Johnson was an American naturalist who specialized in entomology and malacology, making significant contributions in both fields. He was a mentor and inspiration to many students and young scientists such as William J. Clench. Johnson was Curator of the Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1888–1903, then was Principal Curator at the Boston Society of Natural History, 1903–1932.
Calliostoma bullisi, common name Bullis's top shell, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Calliostomatidae.
Conus burryae, common name Mrs Burry's cone, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies.
Thaisella is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks, in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails.
