Good Fish Guide
Common periwinkle
(Littorina littorea)
Also known as: Winkle
Overview
Winkles are gastropod molluscs (having a one-piece coiled shell) that graze on a range of algae. All species of winkle have distinct males and females. The shell size can attain about 3.5cm in length, but is usually about 2.5cm. Both males and females reach maturity at 1-1.2cm. Winkles usually live about 3 years but can survive for 4-5 years. They inhabit rocky shores in all but the most exposed coastlines, and in sheltered conditions can be found in sandy bays and mudflats, particularly in estuaries, and they are quite tolerant of brackish conditions. They are mainly intertidal but can be found at depths of 60m at the northern end of its range. They spawn from March until June.
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