A gastropod is a class of molluscs, including snails and slugs, characterized by a distinct head, a muscular foot, and often a shell. They are found in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments.

Why are gastropods common in crosswords?

Gastropods are common in crosswords because they have many different species with varying letter counts (e.g., SNAIL, SLUG, WHELK, LIMPET, ABALONE), offering a wide range of short to long answers. Their unique characteristics also provide clear definitions for clues.

How can I identify a gastropod clue in a crossword?

Look for clues related to molluscs, shells, slow movement, garden pests, marine life, or specific types of snails. Words like 'mollusk', 'shelled creature', 'garden slitherer', or 'sea snail' often point to a gastropod answer.

gastropod crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on "gastropod crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzle-solving skills.

Solutions for "gastropod crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

SLUG: A terrestrial gastropod mollusc, similar to a snail but without a shell.

5 Letters

SNAIL: A common gastropod known for its spiral shell and slow movement.

WHELK: A large, carnivorous marine gastropod with a typically conical, spiraled shell.

CONCH: A large sea snail with a prominent, often elaborately shaped, spiral shell.

6 Letters

LIMPET: A marine gastropod with a low, conical shell that adheres strongly to rocks.

COWRIE: A marine gastropod with a glossy, often colorful, egg-shaped shell, sometimes used as currency.

NERITE: A small, often colorful, marine or freshwater gastropod with a distinctively shaped shell.

TRITON: A large marine gastropod, typically predatory, with a long, conical, spiral shell.

7 Letters

ABALONE: A marine gastropod with a flat, ear-shaped shell, highly prized for its iridescent nacre.

10 Letters

PERIWINKLE: A small, edible marine gastropod with a spirally twisted shell, found on rocky shores.

More About "gastropod crossword clue"

Gastropods, belonging to the class Gastropoda, are a remarkably diverse group of molluscs. They are the second-largest class of molluscs, outnumbered only by the bivalves. This group includes a vast array of species such as snails, slugs, conches, whelks, limpets, and abalones, inhabiting almost every environment on Earth, from the deepest oceans to arid deserts, and even in our gardens.

Their unique anatomy, including a distinct head, a visceral mass, and a muscular 'foot' for locomotion, sets them apart. Many gastropods are characterized by their single, often coiled shell, which serves as protection, although some, like slugs, have lost their shells entirely. This incredible variety in form, habitat, and common names makes them a frequent and fascinating subject in crossword puzzles.

Crossword setters often leverage the different common names and characteristics of gastropods to create clues of varying lengths and difficulty. From "Garden pest" for SLUG to "Edible marine mollusc" for ABALONE, understanding the breadth of this animal class can significantly aid in solving related clues.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Consider the environment: Is the clue pointing to a marine gastropod (e.g., WHELK, CONCH, ABALONE) or a terrestrial one (e.g., SNAIL, SLUG)? This can narrow down your options significantly.
Think about the shell: Does the clue mention a specific type of shell (e.g., "iridescent shell" for ABALONE, "cone-shaped shell" for LIMPET) or the absence of one?
Letter count is key: Once you have a few possible gastropod answers in mind, compare their letter counts to the number of available squares in the crossword. This is often the quickest way to find the correct fit.
Check for synonyms or related terms: Sometimes, the clue might use a more general term for a gastropod, or a descriptor of its movement or habitat. Be flexible in your interpretation.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common gastropod answer in crosswords?

The most common gastropod answers are usually "SNAIL" and "SLUG" due to their commonality in everyday life and their short, convenient letter lengths that fit many puzzles.

Are all gastropods edible?

No, not all gastropods are edible. While some, like escargots (snails), abalone, and conch, are popular delicacies, many species are not consumed by humans, and some can even be poisonous or host parasites.

How can I differentiate between a snail and a slug in a crossword?

A snail is typically described with reference to its shell, "shelled mollusk," or "house carrier." A slug, on the other hand, is often clued by its lack of a shell, "shell-less mollusk," or "garden pest without a house."