molluscs crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the "molluscs crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you.
Solutions for "molluscs crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SLUG: A common terrestrial gastropod mollusc, often without an external shell, known for its slow movement.
CLAM: A bivalve mollusc with a shell consisting of two hinged parts, typically living buried in sand or mud.
5 Letters
SNAIL: A gastropod mollusc with a coiled shell on its back, found in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments.
SQUID: A marine cephalopod mollusc with a soft, elongated body, eight arms, and two longer tentacles.
WHELK: A carnivorous marine snail with a spiral shell, often found on seabeds.
6 Letters
OYSTER: A bivalve mollusc that lives in marine or brackish habitats, known for its irregular shell and edibility.
MUSSEL: A bivalve mollusc with a long, dark shell, typically found clinging to rocks in intertidal zones or freshwater.
LIMPET: A marine mollusc with a conical, univalve shell, known for clinging tightly to rocks.
7 Letters
OCTOPUS: A cephalopod mollusc with eight arms, a soft body, and remarkable intelligence, often found in oceans worldwide.
SCALLOP: A bivalve mollusc with a ribbed, fan-shaped shell, capable of swimming by rapidly opening and closing its shell.
8 Letters
NAUTILUS: A marine cephalopod mollusc with a coiled, chambered shell, considered a 'living fossil' due to its ancient lineage.
10 Letters
CUTTLEFISH: A marine cephalopod mollusc related to squid and octopuses, known for its internal shell (cuttlebone) and incredible camouflage abilities.
More About "molluscs crossword clue"
Molluscs are an incredibly diverse group of invertebrates, encompassing everything from familiar snails and clams to the more exotic octopuses and cuttlefish. In the world of crosswords, clues related to molluscs can test your knowledge of common marine life, garden pests, or even culinary delights. Their variety in shape, size, and habitat provides rich material for puzzle setters, making them a recurring theme.
When you encounter a "molluscs crossword clue," consider the letter count first. A short answer might point to common names like SLUG or CLAM, while longer answers could delve into more specific species like NAUTILUS or CUTTLEFISH. The clue might also hint at specific characteristics, such as 'shell-less mollusc' for SLUG, or 'eight-armed mollusc' for OCTOPUS.
Understanding the basic classes of molluscs – such as gastropods (snails, slugs), bivalves (clams, oysters, mussels), and cephalopods (octopuses, squids, cuttlefish) – can significantly aid in narrowing down potential answers. Crossword setters often play on these classifications or on well-known attributes of these fascinating creatures.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and related terms: For "molluscs," think about specific examples (SNAIL, CLAM) or even collective terms if the clue allows. Sometimes a clue might hint at a mollusc's product, like "pearl producer" for OYSTER.
- Check intersecting letters carefully: The most crucial tip for any crossword. Even if you're stuck on the main clue, filling in surrounding words often reveals key letters that will unlock the mollusc answer.
- Look for specific descriptors: Clues are rarely vague. If it says "marine mollusc" versus just "mollusc," it significantly narrows the field. "Shell-less mollusc" points distinctly to SLUG.
- Think about common crossword patterns: Certain words appear more frequently in puzzles due to their vowel/consonant patterns. While not foolproof, a short, common word like CLAM might be a go-to answer for setters.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of mollusc answers are common in crosswords?
Common mollusc answers include familiar names like SNAIL, CLAM, OYSTER, and SQUID. Less common but still appearing are terms like LIMPET, WHELK, or even NAUTILUS, depending on the puzzle's difficulty and the available letter count.
How can I distinguish between similar mollusc answers like 'clam' and 'mussel'?
Pay close attention to the clue's nuances. Is it about a specific habitat (e.g., 'rock-clinging mollusc' might point to LIMPET or MUSSEL), edibility, or a characteristic like 'shell-less mollusc' (SLUG)? The number of letters is also a key differentiator, as 'CLAM' has 4 letters and 'MUSSEL' has 6.
Are there any collective terms for molluscs used in crosswords?
While 'molluscs' itself is a collective term, crosswords might use broader categories like 'SHELLFISH' (though this also includes crustaceans) or specific mollusc classes like 'GASTROPOD' or 'CEPHALOPOD' if the clue is more scientific or challenging. Always check the letter count and surrounding letters for confirmation.