The common whelk, are the big cousins of the dog whelk. These snails are what you eat if you are a fan of getting whelks from seafood stalls… though it is one of the seafoods I have yet to try. You may be more familar with the shell of this species, rather than the acutual living snail part as they produce gorgeous spirals shells which are a fan favourite of anyone walking along a british beach.