Identify Seashells from a Photo
Beachcombing finds? Our AI shell identifier names seashells, snail shells, and other marine specimens. Get the species, geographic range, and basic biology of the animal that built it.
- Free to try
- No sign-up
- Results in seconds
Take or upload a photo
AI identifies anything in seconds
3 of 3 free identifications left today
Shells are identified by their shape, how they coil, surface texture, and color pattern, plus whether they are a single coiled shell or a two-part bivalve. A photo of both sides usually names the mollusk that made it. Knowing the shell tells you the animal, its habitat, and whether it is a common beachcomber find or a prize.
Here are the kinds of shells people most often find on the beach. Scan yours to identify the species and where it came from.
Common types of shells
A quick reference to the ones people ask about most. Not sure which you have? Snap a photo above and let the AI name it.
Bivalves
Two matching halves, like clams, scallops, and mussels. Often found as a single hinged half on the sand.
Snail shells (gastropods)
Single shells that coil into a spiral, from tiny periwinkles to large moon snails. The biggest shell group.
Conch and whelk
Large, heavy spiral shells with a flared opening. Among the most prized finds for beachcombers.
Cowries
Smooth, glossy, egg-shaped shells with a slit underneath. Historically used as currency in many cultures.
Augers and cone shells
Long pointed spirals and cone shapes. Beautiful, though some living cone snails are venomous.
Sand dollars and urchins
Not true shells but the tests of sea urchins and their relatives, flattened or globe-shaped with fine patterns.
Why identifying shells matters
A shell tells a story about the animal that lived in it and the ocean it came from. Identifying the species links your beachcombing find to a specific habitat, range, and biology.
What helps identify shells
Shape and Coiling
Spiral (gastropod) vs two-part (bivalve) is the first split. Spiral direction, height, and aperture shape narrow the species.
Color and Pattern
Banding, spotting, and natural color (vs sun-bleached white) help distinguish look-alike species.
Surface Texture
Smooth, ribbed, spined, or knobbed. Surface sculpture is highly diagnostic for many shell families.
Size and Origin Beach
Shell size and the coast (Atlantic, Pacific, Caribbean, Mediterranean) dramatically narrows possibilities.
Bivalve or gastropod?
The quickest split is the basic structure. A bivalve is made of two hinged halves, like a clam or scallop, so a beach find is often just one half. A gastropod is a single shell coiled in a spiral, like a snail, conch, or whelk. Spotting whether your shell is half of a pair or one continuous spiral immediately narrows the family.
Photo tips for the best identification
- 1Photograph both sides of the shell, plus the opening (aperture) for spiral shells.
- 2Use a plain background and natural light.
- 3Include a ruler or coin for scale.
- 4Mention the beach or region where you found it.
Frequently asked questions
Can it identify rare shells?
The AI recognizes hundreds of common and uncommon species. For rare specimens, it provides the closest match and notes uncertainty.
What about fossil shells?
Yes, common fossil shells (ammonites, certain bivalves) are recognized along with their geological era.
Will it tell me if the shell is legal to keep?
The AI flags species protected by international or local law. Always check local beachcombing regulations before collecting.
Identify shells on the go
Get the What Is This app for unlimited scans, offline mode, and a history that syncs.