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What are Apple Snails? How Much Do They Cost and How Many Types Are There?

The apple snail is a fascinating creature with a unique appearance. Have you ever come across these intriguing snails? Join us as we delve into the world of apple snails and explore their intriguing nature. We will uncover the mysteries surrounding these snails, including their distinctive features, the various types that exist, and the price tag that comes with keeping these fascinating mollusks.

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17 July, 2024

For seafood lovers, elephant trunk snail is a delicacy not to be missed. With its tender, sweet, and chewy meat, this mollusk is highly nutritious and packed with flavor. Learn more about this fascinating seafood in the article below.

1 What is Elephant Trunk Snail?

The elephant trunk snail, with the scientific name Lutraria rhynchaena, is a bivalve mollusk belonging to the family Mactridae in the order Veneroida. True to its name, it has a soft body that resembles an elephant’s trunk, nestled within two protective shell valves.

The snail’s body is a contrast of white ivory shell on the outside and thick, juicy meat inside. Its sweetness and tenderness are often compared to that of abalone, making it a delicacy among seafood enthusiasts.

Elephant Trunk Snail

This unique mollusk thrives in brackish and saltwater environments, typically burrowing in sandy or coral seabeds in warm coastal waters.

Not only is it a delicacy, but the elephant trunk snail is also highly valued for its economic and nutritional benefits. Its meat is rich in 16 types of amino acids, which are essential for the body’s protein synthesis, along with other vital nutrients such as zinc, iron, and copper. It is particularly beneficial for men’s health due to its exceptionally high zinc content.

2 How Many Types of Elephant Trunk Snails Are There?

In Vietnam, there are two commonly found varieties of elephant trunk snails: the native species and the imported Canadian variety. While they share similar external features, there are distinct differences that set them apart.

Canadian Elephant Trunk Snail

This variety boasts the largest size among all known elephant trunk snails, with an average length of 15–20 cm and a weight ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 kg. Some individuals can even reach lengths of 1–2 meters and weigh up to 4–5 kg!
It has a white ivory shell, and its distinguishing feature is its long and thick tentacles.

Vietnamese Elephant Trunk Snail

This variety is significantly smaller, measuring only about 10 cm in length.
Its shell has a darker hue, and its tentacles are shorter and stubbier. You can find this variety in the coastal waters of Vietnam, where it is commonly known as “tu hài.”

3 How Much Does It Cost and Where Can I Buy It?

Elephant trunk snails are considered a premium seafood item and are priced higher than most other types of snails. The price varies depending on the size, freshness, and market demand:

Imported Canadian elephant trunk snails: Approximately 800,000–1,000,000 VND/kg
Domestic elephant trunk snails: Approximately 420,000–500,000 VND/kg

Elephant Trunk Snail—Price and Availability

Aeon Tan Phu: 30 Tan Thang, Son Ky, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City
Kingfood: 31 Tan My, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
Hieu Hai San: 62 Nguyen Hong, Ward 11, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

The information provided above offers a comprehensive overview of the elephant trunk snail, including its varieties and market prices. We hope you find this information useful and that it enhances your culinary adventures.