The natural world frequently offers fertile ground for crossword setters, and clues involving marine biology are particularly common. Among these, the query for a ‘Large marine mollusc (7)‘ presents a classic example of a definition-based challenge that taps into both general knowledge and specific vocabulary. Such a crossword clue invites a journey into the vast and varied ecosystems of our oceans, focusing on one of their most fascinating inhabitants.
Deconstructing this particular crossword clue begins with understanding its components. “Large” immediately suggests an creature of considerable size, ruling out many smaller species that populate coastal waters and the deep sea alike. This qualitative descriptor sets a scale, guiding solvers away from tiny organisms towards something substantial. “Marine” precisely defines the habitat, unequivocally placing our target creature in saltwater environments. This eliminates any freshwater or terrestrial molluscs, narrowing the field significantly for a keen crossword solver. Finally, “mollusc” is the biological phylum, a broad category encompassing an astonishing diversity of invertebrate animals. This phylum is characterized by a soft body, typically protected by a calcareous shell, and often possessing a muscular foot for locomotion or attachment, and a mantle which secretes the shell. Understanding these biological classifications is often key to unlocking a challenging crossword clue.
For a crossword setter, crafting a crossword clue like this involves selecting a word that perfectly fits the definition, adheres to the specified letter count, and is commonly known enough to be solvable, yet not so obvious as to be trivial. A seven-letter solution allows for a good range of words, often incorporating a mix of common and perhaps a less frequent letter or two, adding a subtle layer of complexity. The elegance lies in finding a single word that encapsulates all three descriptive elements: large, marine, and mollusc. This type of straightforward definition is a staple in quick crosswords but can also appear as the definition part of a more complex cryptic crossword clue.
The phylum Mollusca includes numerous classes, each with diverse representatives. Bivalves, such as clams, oysters, and mussels, are characterized by their two-part shells. Gastropods, including sea snails and limpets, typically have a single, spiraled shell. Cephalopods, like octopuses and squids, are also molluscs, though their shells are often internal or reduced. When encountering this specific crossword clue, the mental search often gravitates towards species that possess a prominent external shell, as these are most commonly associated with the ‘mollusc’ image in everyday parlance. The sheer variety available within marine molluscs means that recognizing a fitting candidate requires more than just a passing familiarity with ocean life.
Solving this type of general knowledge crossword clue is deeply satisfying. It combines a test of vocabulary with an implicit challenge to one’s understanding of the natural world. The length constraint of seven letters is crucial, as many large marine molluscs could potentially fit the descriptive criteria but fail on the letter count. This forces the crossword solver to precisely recall or deduce the exact term. It’s a quintessential example of how a well-crafted crossword clue can be both educational and entertaining, prompting us to reflect on the wonders of biodiversity and the specific language we use to categorize them. The hunt for that perfect seven-letter word, embodying the grandeur of a large marine mollusc, exemplifies the delightful cerebral exercise that puzzles provide.
Available Answers:
OCTOPUS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Saturday, 27 September 2025