A Rare Encounter

We came across a rare snail from our trip to Beting Bronok on Saturday.
Who’s this snail? Mmmm…according to the Singapore Red Data Book, it is listed as endangered and was thought to be exterminated from Singapore waters until a recent isolated sighting which confirms their continued existence.

So there you are…presenting…..Melo Melo.



It is also called a Baler Shell as it is used traditionally to bail water from boats. According to the book, one of the threats for these beautiful snails is habitat degradation. Its meat is eaten as food (Maybe another reason for its diminish). In addition, collectors also seek after the shells of Melo Melo. This should be discouraged, for the empty shell can become a home to a Hermit crab like Clibanarius sp.



The Melo Melo is from the Volutidae family. Another snail from this family is the Noble Volute (Cymbiola nobilis) who we usually found at Chek Jawa.



The Red Date Book listed the Noble Volute as vulnerable and similar to the Melo Melo, its presence is threatened by habitat degradation too. It is also collected for food and ornamental trade.

Both snail are carnivorous and eat other snails by enclosing the victim in their large foot. But there are some difference between Melo Melo and Cymbiola nobilis :

Melo Melo : Light thin shell, animal has brown and white stripes.

Cymbiola Nobilis: Heavy shell, animal is black with orange spots.