About Neverita didyma (Röding, 1798)
Adult shells of Neverita didyma range in size from 20 mm to 90 mm. This species has a smooth, glossy, thick shell. The spiral tip of the shell does not protrude, giving the entire shell a rounded, ball-like shape. The shell surface is typically plain white, sometimes with pearly pastel tints. It has a narrow white spiral at the spire, and may also bear irregular colored blotches. The underside of the shell has a brown blotch alongside a small depression. The operculum is smooth, composed of a thin, horn-like yellow material. The snail’s tentacles bear opaque white bands. This marine species occurs in the Yellow Sea, and can also be found off the coasts of Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, and Australia in the Indian Ocean. It is commonly found on sandy and muddy shores, and is most active at night or on cool days. The snail typically ploughs through sand while hunting near seagrass-covered beaches, where it preys on button snails. Its known predator is Argyrops spinifer. In Korean cuisine, this species is used to make the dish golbaengi-muchim, also called moon snail salad. Individuals are usually collected with fishing nets at depths between 2 and 10 meters.
