mollusc crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "mollusc" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "mollusc crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
CLAM: A bivalve mollusc often found in saltwater or freshwater, known for its two hinged shells.
SLUG: A gastropod mollusc, similar to a snail but without an external shell, often found in damp environments.
5 Letters
SNAIL: A gastropod mollusc with a coiled shell, commonly found on land or in aquatic habitats.
CONCH: A large marine gastropod mollusc with a spiral shell, often used as a trumpet or for food.
SQUID: A marine cephalopod mollusc with an elongated body, eight arms, and two longer tentacles, known for jet propulsion.
6 Letters
OYSTER: A bivalve mollusc, often found in marine habitats, known for producing pearls and being a culinary delicacy.
LIMPET: A marine gastropod mollusc with a conical, uncoiled shell, typically found clinging to rocks.
7 Letters
OCTOPUS: A highly intelligent marine cephalopod mollusc characterized by its eight arms and sac-like body.
ABALONE: A marine gastropod mollusc with a shallow, ear-shaped shell, highly prized for its meat and mother-of-pearl interior.
8 Letters
NAUTILUS: A marine cephalopod mollusc with a distinctive spiral, chambered shell, considered a 'living fossil'.
More About "mollusc crossword clue"
Molluscs are an incredibly diverse phylum of invertebrate animals, making them a rich source for crossword clues. They include a wide range of familiar creatures from the garden slug to the giant squid. Their defining characteristics often involve a mantle, a radula (a chitinous ribbon of teeth), and a muscular foot. This vast diversity means that a "mollusc" clue could point to anything from a tiny snail to a massive octopus, challenging solvers to consider different forms and habitats.
When encountering a "mollusc" clue, it's helpful to think about the main classes: Gastropods (like snails and slugs), Bivalves (like clams, oysters, and mussels), and Cephalopods (like octopuses, squids, and nautiluses). Each class has distinct features that can help narrow down the possibilities. For instance, clues might hint at their shells (or lack thereof), their mode of movement, or their culinary uses.
Crossword setters often use "mollusc" clues to test a solver's knowledge of both common and less common species within this phylum. Being familiar with a variety of examples across different lengths can significantly improve your success rate. Pay close attention to any additional words in the clue that might provide specific context or letter hints.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by checking the number of letters required for the answer. This is the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities.
- Look for Context Clues: The clue "mollusc" might be accompanied by additional words like "garden pest," "pearl producer," or "eight-armed," which point to specific types of molluscs.
- Consider Common Synonyms/Examples: Keep a mental list of common mollusc examples used in crosswords (SNAIL, CLAM, OYSTER, SLUG, SQUID, OCTOPUS) and their lengths.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use any letters from already solved intersecting words to further narrow down the options for your mollusc clue.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes clues might refer to scientific names or less common but still valid examples of molluscs.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common mollusc answers in crosswords?
Common mollusc answers include SNAIL, CLAM, OYSTER, SLUG, and SQUID, varying in length and context depending on the puzzle.
Are all molluscs shellfish?
While many common shellfish like clams, oysters, and mussels are molluscs, not all molluscs are considered shellfish. For example, land snails, slugs, and cephalopods like octopuses are also molluscs but are not typically referred to as 'shellfish'.
How can I improve my chances of solving mollusc-related crossword clues?
Focus on the number of letters required, look for surrounding letters to narrow down options, and consider the three main classes: gastropods (snails, slugs), bivalves (clams, oysters, mussels), and cephalopods (octopuses, squid, nautilus). Think about their habitats (land, fresh water, sea) as well.