Top 5 Seashell Identification Apps Recommended By A Marine Biologist

If you are a seashell lover and need help identifying seashells, this guide covers the 5 best seashell identification apps list, download link, download platforms (Google Play Store or Apple iOS App Store), and installation procedure all discussed. Discover, learn, and explore each shell’s hidden wonders.

Chart of Top 5 Paid & Free Seashell Identification Apps

1. iNaturalist

This app, released on 30 December, 2011, is the most popular shell identification app. Over 5 million installations on Google Play Store is the proof of its popularity among the scientists and naturalists, who are connected through the app, which is used to identify not only seashells but also plants and other animals.

How You Can Use iNaturalist For Free Seashell Identification

1. Go to PlayStore Download and Open the iNaturalist app.

2. You can easily create an Account or log in.

3. Tap “Observe” to take a photo of the seashell directly via a mobile camera.

4. You  can Upload the Photo and select “What did you see?”

5. View Suggestions from iNaturalist for possible seashell species.

6. Select the best match and submit it to confirm your observation.

2. The Shell Identifier

How To Use The Shell Identifier App For Seashells Identification

1. Download the App

   Find “Shell Identifier” in your app store and install it.

2. Open the App

   Open the app, and let it access your camera if needed.

3. Take or Choose a Photo

   Snap a photo of the shell.

   Or, choose a shell picture from your phone.

4. Identify the Shell

   Tap “Identify” to see what kind of shell it is.

5. See Details

   Read about the shell’s name, where it lives, and cool facts.

Note: In the free version, you can only explore 03 seashell identifications per day, for more access you have to purchase a premium version

3. Gulf and Atlantic Seashells App

1. Download the App

   Open the App Store on your phone.

   Search for “Gulf and Atlantic Seashells.

    Tap Get to install it.

2. Open the App

 Find the app icon on your home screen and tap it.

3. Explore the Seashells in the app

 You’ll see a list of seashells. Scroll down to look at them.

4. Identify a Shell

    If you have a shell, look at the pictures to find one that looks like yours.

5. Learn More

   Tap on a seashell to read about it, like its name and where it’s found.

Is it Free?

The app has some free parts, but most features may need payment. Check the App Store for details.

4. National Shell Museum App

How to Use the National Shell Museum App for Seashells Identification

1. Download the App

    Go to your app store (Apple or Google Play).

   Search for “National Shell Museum App.”

   Download and install the app on your device.

2. Open the App

   Find the app icon on your device.

    Tap to open it.

3. Allow Permissions

   The app may ask for permission to access your camera and location.  

   Click “Allow” for the best experience.

4. Start Identifying Shells

   Select “Identify Shell” on the main screen.

   Either take a photo of a shell or upload one from your gallery.

5. Get Your Results

   The app will analyze your photo.

   After a few seconds, it shows information about the shell type, name, and details.

5. Beachcomber for Australia

How to Use the Beachcomber for Australia App to Identify Sea Shells

1. Get the App

   Open your app store (Google Play or Apple App Store).

   Search for “Beachcomber for Australia.”

   Download and install the app.

2. Open the App 

    Find the app icon and tap to open it.

3. Allow Permissions

   The app may ask to use your camera and location. Tap “Allow.”

4. Tap “Identify Shell”

5.  On the main screen, tap “Identify Shell.”

6. Take or Choose a Photo

    Take a photo of the shell or pick one from your gallery.

7. See Shell Info  

The app will show the shell’s name and details.

Bonus: How to Use Google Lens For Sea Shells Identification 

1. Get Google Lens

   If you don’t have it, download Google Lens from the Play Store. For iPhone, find it in the Google app.

2. Open the App

   Tap on the Google Lens icon (a small camera).

3. Allow Camera

   – Tap “Allow” if it asks you to use your camera.

4. Take a Photo of the Shell

   Point the camera at the shell and tap to take a picture.

5. See the Shell Info

   Google Lens will show similar shells and give details about yours.

If you love learning about marine life, there’s more to explore beyond seashells. Check out What Do Crown of Thorns Starfish Eat to discover how these coral predators impact the ocean

Other Resources For Seashell Identification

1. 1. How to Identify Different Types of Seashells (A Beachcomber’s Complete Guide)

2. 2. How to Identify Different Types of Sea Shells? (A Beginner Guide)

3. 3. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel

4. 4. Compendium of Seashells: A Color Guide to More Than 4,200 of the World’s Marine Shells

You can download Compendium of Seashells: A Color Guide to More Than 4,200 of the World’s Marine Shells in PDF free of cost.

5. 5. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Seashells

5. 5. American Seashells: The Marine Mollusca of the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts of North America

5. 5. Florida’s Seashells: A Beachcomber’s Guide

FAQs About SeaShell Identification

Conclusion

If you’re looking for seashell identification, then a variety of helpful apps can guide you.

iNaturalist is the top choice, connecting you with thousands of experts for free shell identification.

Google Lens is another quick and easy option; simply take a photo, and it provides instant information. For more in-depth details, Shell Identifier offers detailed insights but limits free identifications to three per day.

If you’re exploring shells in specific U.S. regions, the Gulf & Atlantic Seashells app is ideal, while the National Shell Museum App provides expert-supported identification. For additional resources, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum website, and traditional field guides offer valuable support.