Malacology

Malacology is the study of molluscs. These animals include snails, slugs, octopus, squid, and bivalves generally, such as clams and mussels. Most of them have shells. The shells are often collected for their beauty and interest. Many people eat molluscs, especially those people who live near the ocean.
Those scientists who study molluscs are called "malacologists". They identify and classify them, and find out everything they can about their lives.
Types.
Types of gastropods.
The gastropods are the most common type of mollusc. They have about 70,000 described species.
Types of bivalves.
With 20,000 described species, bivalves are the second commonest class of molluscs. There are several classifications of bivalves in use. This is a rough guide:
Museums.
Museums that have either exceptional malacological research collections (behind the scenes) and/or exceptional public exhibits of molluscs: