Identify Any Seashell

Clams, scallops, whelks, conchs, and cowries — photograph your beachcombing finds and give them names.

About Seashell Identification

Spotter identifies seashells from a photo, along with the mollusc that made them and where they occur. From two-part bivalves like clams and scallops to spiraled gastropods like whelks and cowries, snap a shell and learn its story.

Each result covers the species and its habitat. It is the same app for the shorebirds, driftwood plants, and interesting rocks you pocket on the same walk.

Tips for Better Identification

  • Photograph the shell on a plain background in good light.
  • Capture both the outside and the opening or hinge.
  • Note the size, shape, and any ribs, spiral, or surface pattern.
  • Where you found it (open beach, tide pool, bay) helps narrow the species.

Related Field Guides

Identify Seashell Now

Free to download. Get instant species identifications with habitat info, safety reference notes, and full species detail — right from your phone.