TUCKER, R Seashells of The World (1985)

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. A GOLD.EN GUIDE'" _"-·,
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SEASHELLS
OF THE WORL
· D
A GUIDE TO THE BETTER-KNOWN SPECIES
by
R. TUCKER ABBOTT, Ph.D.
Under the editorship of

HERBERT S. ZIM, Ph.D., Sc.D.
Illustrated by
GEORGE AND MARITA SANDSTROM
Imperial Harp 3"

Indian Ocean
Harpa costata L.
� GOLDEN PRESS • NEW YORK

'Western Publishing Company, Inc.
Racine, Wisconsin
FOREWORD
Shells occupy a unique place in the natural world. No

other animals are as widely collected, traded, or bought
and sold because of the i r beauty, attractiveness and rar
ity. Each year an increasing number of people want to
identify, classify and understand the beautiful shells they
see or collect. This guide is necessarily a brief sampling of
the many thousands of marine shells. Because it is a guide
for collecting we have emphasized attractive and better
known spec ies, occasionally slighting some common spe
c ies and familiar genera. We hope that the pastime of shell
collecting will lead to increasing interest in the fascinating
animals which make the shells.
The author, editor and art i sts wish to express thei r
appreciation to the Academy of Natural Sciences of P h i l
adelphia for the use of its extensive research collections in
the preparation of this book. We also owe a debt to the
artists, George and Morita Sandstrom, for their excellent
work on the illustrations.
R. T.A.
H.S.Z.
Carrier Shell ( Xenophora)

is the original shell collec
tor. It gathers small empty
shells and attaches them to
itself. This is the common
Japa nese Carrier S h e l l .
© Copyright 1985. 1962 b y Western Publishing Company. Inc. All rights reserved.
including rights of reproduction and use in any form or by any means. including the
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printed or written or oral, or recording for sound or visual reproduction or for use in any
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knowledge retrieval system or device, unless permission in writing is obtained from the
copyright pro rietor. Produced in the U.S.A. by Western Publishing Company, Inc .
��i4�� g�g69 ��':no �

N
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ew York, N. Y Library of Congress Catalog Card Number:
THE CLAS S E S OF MOL LUSKS
All seashells have soft bodies. The th in, fleshy mantle

usually secretes a limy shell, either as a single cone or a
pai r of valves, or rarely in 8 par t s . About half the mollusks
are marine; the others land or fresh-water.
Marine Fresh-water Land
SNAILS, ar gastropods, have a single shell, usually coiled. They have a

distinct head with tentacles and a rasping tongue (the radula). Most of
the 40,000 species have shells. (pp . 22-128)
B IVA LV E S , or pelecypods, are

mollusks with two valves joined by
a hinge, a horny ligament, and one
or two muscles. Most of the 10,000
species ore marine; others are
fresh-water.
pp. 129-155
C E P H A LO P O D S include squid,
octopus and the Nautilus. Very ac
tive animals with large eyes, pow
erful jaws and with 8-90 tentacles . �
About 600 species.
T U S K S H E LLS (about 300 marine

species) live in curved, toothlike
shells open at both ends. pp . 156-157
C H ITO N S are primitive, marine
mollusks with 8-plated shells
imbedded in tough tissue. There
are about 600 shallow-water
species.
MONOPLAC O P H O RA, until re

cently known only from fossils. A �
rare deep-sea, primitive group. The
soft parts are segmented. 1"
Order
Tritons TECTIBRAN
page 68
True Conchs
page 42
Abalones
page 24
4 G U I D E TO U N I VALV ES
Vases
page90
MAJ OR GROUPS OF MARINE SNAILS

From the primitive slit shells and the i r limpet allies to the
highly evolved bubble shells and cones, the marine snails
show great diversity in shape and sculpture. Of the thou
sand or more families of gastropods, 34 are pictured in
this family key (with page numbers). They include the vast
majority of the better-known sea snails t hat are apt to be
found in amateur collections.
G U I D E TO U N I VA LV E S 5
Piddocks
(not in text}
Bittersweets
(not in text}
MAJOR GROUPS 0 MARINE BIVALVES

are less numerous than marine gastropods but
B I VA LV E S
are of greater economic value . Clams, oysters, mussels
and scallops are eaten . One group produces nearly all
natural and cultured pearls . The families shown on the tree
are most commonly seen in collections .
6 G U I D E TO B I VALV E S
OTHER GROUPS OF
S EASHELLS
C E P H A L O P O D S inc lude the oc
topus, which has no shel l, and the
squids, with a thin internal shell .
The Nauti lus of the Indo- Pacific
has a smooth, chambered shel l .
The Argonaut's paper-thin she l l is C h a m bered N a u t i l u s 6"
an eggcase . Pages 156-157. Nautilus pampilius Linne
Southwest Pacific
are a group of flattened mollusks, some worm

C H I TO N S
like, most covered w i t h eight shingle-li ke, overlapping
plates held in place by a muscular ring cal led the girdle.
They live on rocks near shore and feed on algae .
West In d i a n Ch iton 2-3"

Chiton tuberculata Linne ._.___
West Indies
H a i ry Mopa l i a 2"
Mopalia cilia to Sowerby
Alaska to California
T U S K S H E L LS,or scaphopods, are tooth-shaped shel l s

found i n shallow and deep water. These odd mol lusks are
without gills (the mantle assumes th i s function), head, eyes
or true tentac les . Some spec ies were once h ighly valued by
American Indians.
El ephant's Tus k 3"
Dentalium
elephantinum Linne
Philippines
OT H E R C L AS S E S 7
YOUR S H E L L COL L E CTION
A well-arranged , orderly col lection of she lls has many

surpr i s i ng rewa rds: a sense of scientific acco m p l i shment,
pride i n b u i l d i ng a n educational and bea utiful assortment,
a sti m u l u s to i nvestigate a n intrigu i ng group of a n i m a l s .
Record loca l i t y data a n d best possible identification; fol
l ow a natura l biologica l sequence, and your co llection will
serve as a useful guide and a constant source of sati sfac
tion . Beg i n ea rly to use a simple cabinet, m u l t i ple-si zed
paper trays, plastic boxes or match boxes , good labels,
and a cata log with num bers correspond i ng to those written
i n India i nk on the labe l s and specimens. Sma ll she l l s , with
numbered s l i ps, may be put into glass vials, and the vials
plugged with cotto n .
A wooden cabinet (4 ft. high, 3 ft. deep and 2'12

ft. wide) with wooden drawers on simple runners
protects your shells from dust and careless hands.
Boxes made of cardboard of uni

form height and of multiple sizes
permit an orderly arrangement and
best use of space.
labels should bear the genus and
species name. Most important are
the locality data and other perti
nent information.
8 COLLECT I N G
COLLECTING MARINE SHELLS
B EA C H C O M B I N G
Few m o l l usks l ive o n the bea c h , but after storms fresh
spec imens may be cast upon the shore . Some a ppear o n l y
at certa i n seaso n s . Avoid damaged and water-worn shells .
NIG H T C O L L E CT I N G
Mo l l usks avoid bright sun l ight. A t low t i d e t u r n over rocks;
d ig i n sand . Shore collecting at n ight i n q u iet bays is very
profitable . Two people wor k i ng together are most
effective .
DIVING
Goi ng down where many she l l s l ive brings r i c h rewa rds i n
perfect spec imens. Watch f o r tra i l s i n t h e sand . P u t she l l s
i n a fine mesh bag. Fo l l ow safety rules.
DREDGING
A s i m p l e wire-mesh dredge , 24" wide, 3 6 " long a n d 8 "
high, c a n b e p u l l ed b y rope at depths down t o 100 feet.
Wash sand away and pick out she l l s .
EXC H A N G I N G
Trade with c o l lectors i n foreign lands. Send perfect speci
mens with loca l i t y data . Wrap secure l y. A good way to
i ncrease your col lection and to make friends. Be as gener
ous as poss i b l e .
B U YI N G S H E L LS
Ma ny re l i a b l e dealers se l l spec i men shel l s . Compare prices
from severa l mail l i sti ngs and then use good judgment.
Insist on l oca l i t y data . Avoid acid-treated she l l s .
C O LL E CT I N G 9
PREPARING S HELLS F OR S TUDY
When collecting, observe the l ive a n i m a l s and note their
habits . So little is known a bout many species that every
accurate observation i s of va l u e . N ote color and other
deta i l s , relative abunda nce , type of botto m , food , egg
laying or mati ng habits, methods of concealment, water
temperature, associated pla nts and a n i m a l s . Record your
facts i n a fie l d noteboo k . When cata l oging, enter the
notebook page on the collection labe l .
The soft parts and she l l s of m oll usks may be permanently
preserved i n 70% a l cohol . If not to be used for anatomica l
study, clams a n d snails may b e boiled i n water for five
m i nutes and the "meat" removed with a bent p i n or ice
pick . Save the opercu l u m , or tra pdoor, to each sna i l . It is
u nwise to use acid on shel l s . Clean exterior with fine wire
brush or buffi ng wheel .
CONSERVATION
Be considerate of nature and other collectors when looking
for l ive shell s . D i sturb the habitat as little as poss i b l e , and
turn back rocks as you found them . Otherwise, the eggs,
young and food of sna i l s will be k i l l ed by d irect sunl ight.
Pollution and u psetting the eco logy of the ocean shores
a re the ma in reasons for the reduction of l ive she l l s , but
collectors can help by taking o n ly a few of each ki n d .
Leave you ng or poor specimens, si nce they w i l l grow to lay
more eggs and produce additional generations . In some
states shel lfishery laws proh ibit the col lecting of va rious
kinds at spec i a l seasons or under certa i n s i zes. F i nd out
a bout the perti nent laws and regu lations i n your a rea, and
follow the m .
10 ST U DY I N G
MORE INF ORMATION
Basic i nformation about malacology, or conchol ogy, the
study of m o l l u sks, is found in thousands of technical a r t i
cles. O f greater u s e to collectors are t h e books l i sted
below, some of which l i st the addresses of local she l l c l u bs
and nationa l she l l orga n i zations. Visit the fa mous she l l
co l l ections i n natura l h i story museums of large cities. Cu
rators of these co l l ections can give professiona l advice .
GENERAL BOOKS
Abbott, R. Tucker, KINGDOM OF THE SEASHELL. New York: Bononzo Books,
1 982 . Introduction to biology, collecting, uses, ond evolution of
seashells.
Johnstone, Kathleen Y. SEA TREASURE-A GUIDE TO SHELL COLLECTING. Bos
ton: Houghton Mifflin Co. , 1 956 . For beginners.
Wagner, R. J. l., and R. Tucker Abbott. STANDARD CATALOG OF SHELLS.
Melbourne, Flo. : American Molocologists, Inc. , 1 978 . Lists thousands
of species with current values. Has blank personal catalog, world size
records. For intermediate collectors.
Yonge, C. M. , and T. E . Thompson. LIVING MARINE MOLLUSKS. London:
William Collins Sons, 1 976. Readable biology textbook.
NORTH AMERICA
Abbott, R. Tucker. AMERICAN SEASHELLS. 2nd ed. New York: Von Nostrand/
Reinhold, 1974 . Describes and illustrates 1, 500 of the 7, 500 species
listed from both coasts. For advanced collectors.
Abbott, R. Tucker. SEASHELLS OF NORTH AMERICA. New York: Golden Press,
1 969. A colorful guide to field identification of 900 species. Includes
biology. For intermediate collectors.
Abbott, R. Tucker. COLLECTIBLE SHELLS OF SOUTHEASTERN U. S. AND BAHAMAS.
Melbourne, Flo. : American Molocologists, Inc. , 1984 . Waterproof,
tear-resistant guide to 300 species. For beginning collectors.
Keen, Myra. SEA SHELLS OF TROPICAL WEST AMERICA. 2nd ed. Stanford,
Calif. : Stanford Univ. Press, 197 1 . About 3,300 species illustrated.
Lorge bibliography. For advanced collectors.
FOREIGN
Abbott, R. Tucker, and S. Peter Donee. COMPENDIUM OF SEASHELLS. New
York: E . P. Dutton, 1983 . 4,200 species illustrated. For advanced
collectors.
Linder, Gert. FIELD GUIDE TO SEASHELLS OF THE WORLD. New York: Von
Nostrand/Reinhold, 1 978. About 1, 000 species. For intermediate
collectors.
B I B LIOGRAPHY 1 1
TH E WORLD OF MARINE S H E L L S
Although the seas , which cover 72 percent o f the earth's

surface , are interconnected , parts of the oceans are iso
lated by land masses . Ocean currents, water temperatu res
and differences in salinity also act as barriers and create
smal ler sub-areas within fa unistic provinces . Present fau
nistic boundaries were largely determined d u ring the Pli
ocene, 10 million years ago . These are not clearly defined ;
some species invade the waters of neighboring provinces .
Temperature is an important iso lating factor. Within a
province there may be specia l habitats suitable only to
certain species-coral reefs, m uddy or sandy bottoms,
mangrove swamps or rocky shores . Some groups flou rish
in certain provinces, as the limpets in South Africa and the
cowries in the I n d o - Pacific . Some mollusks are associated
only with certain other animals, such as the wentletraps
with sea anemones, and rapa snails with soft cora l s .
COLD-WATE R FAU N A
Few species; usually
dull in color
12 DISTRIBUTION
DIS TRIBUTION OF MOLLUSKS WITH DEPTH
T H E PELAGIC WO RLD
Adults of about 1 00 species of
mollusks live near the surface of
the ocean. Some float, some are
attached to sargassum weed,
others hover in mid-water.
T H E LITTO RAL WO RLD

A million miles of the world's inter
tidal shoreline support a rich fauna
of periwinkles, limpets, burrowing
clams, mussels and other species
living between high- and low-tide
level.
T H E S HALLOW-WAT E R WO RLD
Most of the marine mollusks live on
the continental shelves and in coral
reefs from the low-tide line to
depths of about 400 feet. The rel
atively quiet waters and growth of
algae permit a rich fauna to exist.
THE ABYSSAL WO RLD

Small, mainly colorless shells live
in the lightless depths of the ocean
where temperatures are near
freezing. Abyssal species are
somewhat similar in all parts of the
world. Squids have phosphores
cent lights of blue, red and white.
Deep-sea mollusks living near the
equator are found in much shal
lower waters in the polar seas
where the water is cold. Some food
comes from pelagic plants and an
imals which die and sink to the
bottom. Both clams and snails have
been found 3 miles down.
DIST R I B U TIO N 13
CALIFORNIAN PROVINCE
Stretching from Washington to parts of
Ba ja Ca lifornia is a cool -water fauna of
about 2, l 00 species. To the north is the
cold -water Aleutian Province, some of
whose species find their way as fa r south
as northern Ca lifornia . In southern Ca l
ifornia, elements of the Pana mic Prov
ince, a much warmer a rea, begin to
appear. The Ca lifornia n Province is rich
in abalones, murex rock she l l s, limpets
and chitons . Among some of the char
acteristic species are the Kel p-weed
Scallop and the Purple Dwarf Olive .
Purple Dwarf O l ive

0/ivello biplicoto Sower by
Kel p-weed S c a l l o p
C h itons Leptopecten latiouratus
Over 50 species Conrad
Haliotis Aba l o nes

Several large species
Cooper's N utmeg
Cancellaria coaperi onrad
14 CALIF ORNIAN PROVINCE

CAROLINIAN PROVINCE
From the shores of the Carolinas, to the
northern half of Florida and westward
into Texas, the temperate-water Caro
l i n i an Province is c h aracteri zed by
Quahog Clams (Mercenaria) and by such
species as the Shark-eye Moon Snail
and the Marsh Periwinkle. The southern
tip of Florida belongs to the tropical
Caribbean Province. To the north, from
Maine to labrador, is the colder Boreal
Province with a di fferent and less rich
shell fauna. The New England Neptune
lives to the north .
Sha rk-eye Moon S n a i l

Polinices duplicatus Say
Qua hog C l a m
M ercenaria mercenaria l.
New E n g l a n d N e p t u n e
Neptunea decemcostata S o y
N e w Eng land and north
Oyster D r i l l
Eupleura coudoto Say
C A R O L I N I A N P R OV I N C E 15
INDO-PACIF IC PROVINCE
The largest a n d richest shell region in the wor l d extends
from the shores of East Africa eastward through the East
I ndies to Polynesi a . Notable for its abunda nce of co lorfu l
shel l s , it supports many stra nge and unique m oll usks, such
as the Giant Clams (Tridacna), the Scorpion Conchs (Lam
bis), a n d the Hea rt Cockles (Corculum) . Most of the Indo
Pacific i s characteri zed by tropica l waters and coral reefs.
The province i s further divided into more or less isolated
sub- regio n s .
THE RED SEA i s an isolated, warm-water

pocket of the Indian Ocean noted for its
many peculiar subspecies and such un ique
species as the lineated Conch (Strombus
fasciatus Born), and Red-spotted Cowrie
L i n eoted Conch (Cypraea erythraeenis Sowerby) .
Strombus fosciatus Born
16 IN D O - PACIFIC P R OVIN C E
HAWAII
Vo lvo
... Tridocna ""

o�r,
o•
Corculum
�·.
AUSTRALIA i s, along its tropical northern

half, a land of rare and colorful volutes
and strange Spiny Vase Shells (Tudicula).
Bed na il 's Vol ute
The seas ore shallow with strong tides. The
Volutoconus bednalli
seas of southern Australia are much colder
Brazier
and hove many d i fferent shel ls, such as the
g iant phosione l l o s .
THE HAWAIIA N C HA IN of vol can ic i s

lands in the cental Pacific locks many com
mon Indo- Pacific species. It has same
un ique cowries and cone she l l s. The Tiger Tessellate Cowrie
Cypraea fessellato
Cowrie, common e lsewhere, is rare here
and very Iorge. Swa i n son
THE PHILIPPI N E S, consisting of thou

sands of islands, are very rich in mollusks.
Several u n ique k i nds ore found i n these
waters, including the I m perial Volute and
the Zambo Murex . Some normally uncom
mon species are abundant on the reefs of
I m perial Vol u te
P h i l i ppine i s lands.
Aulica imperialis
Lightfoot
I N D O - PAC I F I C P R OV I N C E 17
"
PANAMIC PROVINCE
From the Gulf of Ca lifornia to northern
Ecuador, the tropical Panamic P rovince
supports a rich, colorful fauna of over
2, 000 marine shel ls. Connected wit h the
Caribbean in former geologic times, the
fauna resembles that of the West I ndies .
Tid a l ranges are extreme in this a rea .
The gen us Strombina and such species
as the Tent Olive are native .
SOUTH
AMERICA
Gri n n ln t Tu n
.Malea ringer;� Swainiolt
18 PA N AMIC P R OVI N C E
CARIBBEAN PROVINCE
Centered in the West Indies, this tropical province extends
north to southern Florida and Bermuda. Many Caribbean
elements spread out to the south as far as Brazil. Among
the characteristic species are the Pink Conch, the Wide
mouthed Purpura and the Sunrise Tellin. The fauna is rich
in Cassis, Murex and Te/lina. The larger West Indian islands
have over 1,200 species of shelled marine mollusks. Iso
lated coral islands, poor in food, have only about 350
kinds of mollusks.
C A RI B B E A N P R OVI N C E 19
MEDITERRANEAN PROVINCE
The most isolated of the world's major sea s , the Mediter
ranean is relatively shallow and less dense than the Atlan
tic . Its fauna o f 1, 400 species o f mollusks spreads a round
Portugal to southern France and along the northwest coast
of Africa . Also known as the Lusitania n Province, it con
tains such unique shells as the Pelican's Foot, Jacob's Scal
lop, and the Murex Dye S � ells .
NORTH AFRICA
Lurid Cowrie
Cypraea lurida
Linne
Spiny He l met Jacob's Scallop
Go/eodeo echinophora l. Pecten jacobaeus
Linne
Purple Dye Murex
Murex brandaris
Linne
20
JAPANESE PROVINCE
Lyi ng between the cold
water A l euti a n Provi nce
and the tropica l I ndo
Pacific, the centra l is
lands of J a pa n conta i n a
rich a n d d i stinct temper
ate marine faun a .
SOUTH AF RICAN PROVINCE

Cool, rough seas pound the rocky shore l i n e of South Af
rica . Its isol ated fauna of a bout 900 species is rich i n giant
lim pets, turbans and Thais rocky she l l s , p l u s stra nge, coo l
water cowries and cone she l l s .
Patella L i m pets
21 species
Rosy Cone
Conus tinionus Hwoss
Cape Cowrie
Cypraeo copensis Gray
21
GASTROPODS
hea r t
tentacle
probosci s
foot
cross section of probosc i s
rodulor
ri bbon
egg capsule
mouth
eggs
rodu l o r teeth
free-sw i m m i ng
veliger
GAS T R O P O D S, or un iva lves , s i ngle-she l l ed mollusks, in

clude sna i l s , conchs , periwinkles and whelks . About ha lf of
the 40, 000 species are marine; the remai nder are terres
tria l and fresh-water. The fleshy, cape-l ike mantle pro
d uces a hard shell , while the foot may produce a horny
opercu l u m . Feed i ng i s a ided by a special set of teeth known
as the radu l a . The sexes are separate i n many marine
species . Eggs a re la id i nto the water or i n capsu l e s . A free
swi m m i ng larva , or "vel iger, " emerges wh ich grows into a
she l l ed a d u l t . Most gastropods l ive 5 to 6 yea rs; some may
survive 20 or 30. U n ivalves may be ca rn ivorous, herbivo
rous or even parasitic.
22 U N I VA LV E S
S L I T S H E LLS (Pieurotoma r i idae) a re pri mit ive sna i l s char
acteri zed by two gill plumes. The slit i n the she l l i s a natura l
ope n i ng for the passage of water and waste mater i a l s . The
fa m i l y, fou n d i n very early fossil deposits, was once consid
ered to be exti nct. Today 18 living deep-water species a re
know n .
The operc u l u m o f the slit shells i s

t h i n , corneo u s , a n d brown a n d h a s
many who r l s .
This relatively small

operculum i s attached
to the foot .
Emperor's S l i t S h e l l 3-S"
Pleurotomaria hirasei P i l sbry
Honshu I s . , J apan
This i s the commonest slit shel l
known . It l ives at a depth of 300 feet.
Ada n son's S l i t S h e l l S-6" Beyrich's S l i t S h e l l 4"

P. adansonianus C rosse & Fi scher P. beyrichi H i lgendorf!
W. Indies; deep water; rare E . Asia; deep water; rare
SLIT S H E LLS 23
ABALO N E she l l s (Ha l i otidae) resem ble a va lve of a l a rge
clam , except for the spiral whorl . The ani m a l has a l a rge,
flat and muscu lar foot by which it holds fast to rocks . Sea
water is d rawn in under the edges of the she l l ; it passes
'
over the g i l l s , and leaves through the natural holes. The
foot is ed i b l e and h ighly esteemed . The i ridescent she l l is
used in costume jewe l ry. Over a hundred species are
known . They are vegetarians .
Red Aba lone 1 0- 1 2"

Haliotis rufescens Swa i nson
C a l ifor n i a ; a n racks below l aw tide ""''ICN"'>F�!J-"':·'1'.
Cammon
24 ABALO N E S
P i n k Aba lone 5-7"
Haliotis corrugate G r a y
B l a c k Abalone 5"
Cal iforn ia; common
Haliotis cracherodi leach
C a l iforn i a to Mex ico
Abundant
Beaut i ful Aba l o n e 1 - 1 '/2'

H. pulcherrima Gmelin
Central Pacific; uncommon
Mi d a s Aba l o n e 4"
Haliotis midae Linne
Don key's E a r Aba l o n e 3 -4"
South Africa; uncommon
Haliotis asinina Linne
S . W. Pacific; abundant ..
A B A LO N E S 25
(Fi ssure l l idae) are na med for a s m a l l
K E Y H O LE L I M P E T S
hole at the top of the cap-sha ped shell, which serves for
excretion . Severa l hundred species are a l l vegetarians
living i n sha l l ow, warm water. The s i ngle eggs are coated
with a gelatinous sheath . The largest comes from California .
Ma x i m u m Keyhole L i m pet 3"

Fissurella maxima Sowerby
Chile ( i ntertidal); common
G i a n t Keyhole Li mpet 4-5"

Megathura crenulata Sowerby Ba rbados Keyhole Lim pet 1"
Cal ifornia ( i ntertidal); common Fissurella barbadensis Gmelin
Florida and W. Ind ies
Abundant on shore rocks
Roman S h i e l d L i m pet (Scutus) from Austra lia has no hole

but i s related to the keyhole l i m pets. The shell i s 2 inches long.
Common on intertidal rocks.
26 K E Y H O L E L I M P ETS
T R U E LIMPETS (Acmaeidae) live on the rocky
shores of all temperate seas . They have a
remarkably strong foot . A few species attach
to seaweeds . All 400 species are vegetarian .
Sweet L i m pet 1 " At l a n t i c Plate l i m pet 1 "

A. saccharine L i nne Acmaea testudinalis Muller
Indo-Pacific; common New E ngland rocks; common 1
S p i ked l i m pet 3"

U nsta ble l i m pet 1" Patella longicosta lamarck
A. instabilis Gould South Africa
Cal ifornia; on seaweed
T R U E L I M P E TS 27
TO P S H E LLS (Trochidae) are coni cal. They have a pe' arly
i nteri or and a thin , horny operculum with many whorls .
Over a thousand species are found mai nly in temperate
and tropical waters. Largest and most useful is the Com
merical Trochus, from which shirt buttons are made. Some
larger spec ies are eaten. A Trochus takes six years to reach
adult si ze-5 inches. Most top shells are vegetarians.
Knobbed Top 4"

Trochus dentotus Forskal
East Africa; common
G i a n t Button Top
1"
Umbonium gigonteum Lesson
Japan; muddy boys; a bundant
lined Top 2" Strawberry Top 1 "

Trochus lineatus Lamarck C/oncu/us puniceus P hilippi
Australia; common in shallow water I ndian Ocean; common
28 TO P S H E L LS
I N DO-PAC I F I C TO P S H E LLS vary greatly in form and
color. The button tops (Umbonium) , mud-dwellers from
Japan and Southeast Asia, are unusually flattened .
young
Pyra m i d Top 5"

Tectus pyramis Born
Macu l a ted Top 2"

Troc hus maculatus Linne
A very com mon spec ies
found under rocks near shore .
Born's Ora n g e Top %"

Chlorostoma parado•um
Born
Commerc i a l Trochus 5"

Troc h u s niloticus Linne
operc u l u m
TO P S H E L LS 29
AME R I C A N TO P S H E LLS total several dozen species ,
rarest bei ng the iridescent Gaza. The West Indian Top is
used in c howder. Queen Tegula is a collector's item i n
California. N orris' Top Shell is relatively common i n shal
l ow water. Its opercu l um bears tiny bristles .
S u perb Gaza 2"

Gaza superba D o l l
G u l f of Mexico; deep water
Norris' Top Shell 2"

Norrisia norrisi Sowerby
California; near shore
West I n d i a n Top 3"

Cittarium pica Linne
W. Indies; seashore
30 TO P S H E LLS
CALL I O S TOMA TO P S H E LLS are the q ueens of the fam ily.
All are lightweight shells with deli cate beading and bright
colors. Most are cold-water inhabitants found among deep
water beds of algae. Many are considered collector's
items. Eggs are i n gelatinous ribbons.
C u n n i ng h a m's Top . This i s one of

a dozen large, stunning species
found i n New Zealand. Maurea
cunninghami G. and P. , 3"
Mon i l e Top1"
Calliasfama manile Reeve
N . W. Australia; common
near shore on sponge
H a l i a rchus Top 2"

Ca//iasfama h aliarchus Melv i l l
J apan ; d e e p water
Chocolate-Lined Top 1"
Calliasfoma javanicum lamarck
S . Fla. and Caribbean
CALLI O STOMAS 31
(Turb i n idae) , about 500 spec ies, pos
T U R BA N S H E L LS
sess a hard, limy operculum . The largest member of the
family is the Green Turban . Its white operculum may weigh
up to one pou nd . Buttons are made from the shel l s .
Green Tu rban 8 "

Turb o marmorotus L.
E. Indies-Australia
Ches t n u t Tu rba n 1 11.''

Turb o castanea Gmelin
Florido-W. Indies
outer side
Ta pestry Turban is a herbivorous spec ies of

South Pacific coral reefs. The shell has a vari
able and colorful pattern . Its operculum i s the
famous blue-green "cot's eye . " Turbo petho
lotus Linne, 3"
32 T U R BA N S H E L LS
P H EASANT AND STA R S H E LLS are turbans. There are
about 40 species. The Pheasant Shells have several "foot
feelers." Below is the largest, the Pheasant Shell, Phasi
anella australis Gmelin (3 in.) ftom southern Australia.
P heasant Shell
foot filaments
operculum of
Pheasant Shell
i s white and
shelly
Long-spined Star 2"

Astraea phoebia Reding
F l orida-Cari bbean ...
Rotary Star 2"

Astraea rotularia
lamarck
Austral i a
Tri u m p h a n t Star 3-4"

Guildfordia triumphans P h i l .
East Asia; especi a l l y common
i n Japan i n deep water
PH EASANT A N D STA R S H E LLS 33

COMMON INDO-PACIFIC TURBANS
Of the several dozen turbans from the tropical Western
Pacific, these are the commonest . N ote the characteristic
shape of the o perc u l um in each species .
outer side
operculum
i nner side
Ho rned Tu rban 3 " Go l d - mouthed Tu rba n 3"
Turbo cornutus Lig htfoot Turbo chrysostomus L i n n e
Southern Japan; common near shore C o m m o n on coral reefs
Dwarf Tu rba n 1 1/2' Silver-mouthed Tu rban 3" Setose Tu rba n 3"

T. bruneus Red ing Turbo argyrostomus L i nne T. setosus Gme l i n
34 TU RBANS
Syd ney Tu rban 3'12" Turbo tor
quatus Gmel i n . South Austra l i a ;
c o m m o n i n s h a l l o w water; note the
pecu l iar, white operc u l u m . South Afri can Tu rban 3" Turbo
sarmaticus Linne. South Africa . This
shell i s pearly white and red when
polished.
Two forms of the Delph i n u l a Sna i l

Channel led Tu rban from the West
Indies is rarest in the Americas.
Turbo canaliculatus Herm . , 3"
Delph i n u l a S n q i l from the I ndo

Pacific reefs is very variable and
....
has a brown , horny operc u l u m .
Angaria delphinus L i n n e , 2"
T U R BA N S A N D D E LP H I N U LAS 35
N E R ITE S N A I LS (Neritidae) are of a family with varied
habitats: shallow water, rocky shores, springs, rivers,
swamps and even in trees. The Emerald Nerite lives on
eelgrass near coral reefs. The shelly operculum bears a
small projecting arm for muscular attachment. Nerites are
vegetarians living in large colonies. Several hundred spe
cies are known.
Pol ita N e rite 1 " inner side outer side

Nerita polita Linne
Indo-Pacific; common
living Nerite
egg capsules on rocks
B l eed i n g Tooth 2" Ornate Nerite 2" Emerald Nerite 1/3'

Nerita peloronta l . Nerita ornata Sby. Smaragdia viridis l.
S . Florida-Caribbean Panama ( Pacific) F lorida-Caribbean
36 NERITES
P E R I W I N K L E S (Littori n idae) are found on rocky shores of
most parts of the world. Their small s i ze and drab colors
protect them from predators. The microscopic eggs laid i n
the water resemble min iature "flying saucers." Eggs of
some species hatch i n side oviduct.
side view
of a n i m a l
Common E u ropea n Periwi n k l e .

Once l i m i ted to E urope a n d Con
ado, this rock-dwe l l er has spread
south to Delaware i n the last 200
years. Shell s hove been found i n
pre h i storic I n d i a n sites. Littorina
/ittoreo Linne, 1 "
Pagoda Peri w i n k l e 2"

Tectorius pogodus Linne
I ndo-Pacific; common on rocks
wel l a bove h i g h-tide l i ne
A u g e r Tu rrite l l o 4"
Turrite//o terebra L i n ne
I ndo-Pacific; common
(Turr i tell idae) , about 50 spec ies, a re

T U R R I T E L L A S N A I LS
tropical relatives of the periwinkles . The shel l s , found i n
shallow, muddy bottoms , are l o n g and pointed. T h e cor
neous opercu l um has few whorls.
PERIWIN KLES 37
(Architecton i cidae) resemble a wi nding stair
S U N D I ALS
case. All 40 species are tropical. A few deep-sea species
are collector's items. Operculum like horny p i ll.
Common Atla n t i c S u n d i a l 2"

Architectonica nobilis Reding
Caro l i nas to West Indies; common i n sand
Va riegated S u n d i a l %"
Heliacus variegatus Gmelin
I ndo- Pacific
Florida Wo rm Shell 4"

Vermiculoria knorri Deshoyes
Caroli nas to Mexico
WO RMS H E LLS (Turritel lidae) resemble marine worms, but

are true snails. The early whorls resemble turritella shells ,
but later ones detach and grow haphazardly.
38 S U N D I A LS A N D WO RM S H E L LS
CE RITHS
Sowe rby's Cerith 4"

Pseudovertagus phylarchus l reda l e
P h i l i ppines; uncommon
S u l cate Cerith 2"

Terebra/ia sulcata Born
Indo-Pacific; swamps
R a d u l a Cerith 2" ;
Tympanotonus radula l.
W. African swamps
"'-
CERITHS (Cerith i idae) , about 300 species, are abundant

i n the i n tertidal zone of tropic shores . Some live i n man
grove swamps , others at sea . The eggs are i n jelly masses.
CERITHS 39
{ E pitoni idae) , a curious family mai nly al
W E N T L E T RAPS
abaster-white, are capable of excreting a purple dye.
Most are found with sea anemones and Fungia corals .
Rice-paste counterfeits of the Precious Wentletrap were
once sold. About 200 known species, some rare.
Common We ntletrop
� Epitonium clothrus Linne
E u rope; common
Noble We nt letrop 2"

Sthenorytis pemobilis
F i scher & Bernardi
Florida-Cari bbean; rare
Prec i o u s We ntl etrop 2"

Mag n ificent We ntl etrop 4"
Epitonium seafare Linne
Amaea magnifica Sowerby
Eastern Asia; uncommon
Japan; rare
40 W E N TLETRAPS
(Crepidulid ae) possess a pe
C U P A N D S L I P P E R S H E LLS
culiar plate located inside the mai n shell . These limpetli ke
snails live in shallow water. The males are much smaller,
but may change their sex and grow to a larger si ze. The
slipper shells may grow on top of each other or on rock s .
Com m o n A t l a n t i c S l i pper She l l 2"

Crepidula fornicofo Linne
Canada to Texas; E u rope; very common
This, l i ke ather s l i pper shells, has no opercu l u m .
Imbri cate C u p-and-Sa ucer 2" Rayed Peru v i a n Hat 2"

Crucibulum scutellatum Woad Trochita trochiformis Born
West Mexico Peru and C h i l e
THE TRUE CONCHS
Eighty world species of Strombidae live i n warm waters.
Note the "notch" on the l ower outer l i p . The foot is narrow
and muscular with a sharp, sickle-shaped opercu l um .
Colorful eyes on spec i a l sta lks ore

c h a r a c t e r i s t i c for each spec i e s .
Above ore four examples.
� Pink Conch 8 - 1 2" Strombus

gigas Linne. Southern Florida-West
Indies. This Iorge C a r i bbean conch
shell has long been a favorite or
nament. Conch chowder a nd steak
come from this species, and its shell
i s used as a trumpet. The young
"rollers" do not hove the fla r i n g ,
thick l i p o f the 12- i n . adul t s . Sem i
prec ious p i n k pear l s hove been
found i n side the she l l s . The animal
feeds on delicate algae. Also called
the Queen Conch.
Florida F i g h t i n g Conch 2-3" West In d i a n F i g h t i n g Conch 2-3"

Strombus alotus G m e l i n Strombus pugilis L i n ne
F lorida; c o m m o n n e a r shore Caribbean ; common near shore
42 CONCHS
Goliath Conch 15"
Strombus goliath Schroter
Bra z i l ; ra re
Rooster Conch 5"
I
Strombus gallus
Linne
Caribbean
/
Two of these Atlantic conchs are
collector's items. Rarest i s the
Goliath Conch from B ra z i l , largest
Strom bus in the world. The Rooster
Conch of the C a r i bbean reg ion is
fa i r l y rare. Adu lts vary i n size; the
male i s smaller. I n the Milk Conch,
the s i ze and number of knobs is
Milk Conch 4-7" variable, and some shells may be
S. costatus Gmelin orange, yel l ow, or whitish . 1 V2'
Cari bbean dwarfs of the Hawk-Wing occur i n
Lake Wor t h , F l orida .
Hawk-Wi n g Conch
2-4"
S . roninus Gmelin
Cari bbean
43
COMMON INDO-PACIF IC CONCHS (1-3")
B u b b l e Conch D i a n a Conch Dog Conch

Stromb u s bullo Reding S. aurisdianae l. S . conarium l.
Hu mped Conch Mutable Conch Li t t l e Bea r Conch

l.
S. gibberulus S. mutabilis Swa i nson Strombus urceus l.
white mouth
S i l ver Conch
S. lentiginosus Linne
B l ood-Mouth Conch
S. luhuanus Linne
44 CONCHS
UNUSUAL CONCHS
B u l l Conch is a rare spec ies from

the coral reefs in the Centra l Pa
cific. Shell heavy with twa un ique
spines o n outer lip. 4". Strambus
taurus Reeve . Found at depths af
20 Ia 50 feel .
Lac i n iated Conch is an uncom

mon and attractive W. Pacific shell
noted for the beautiful purple in
terior of its mouth. 4". Strombus
sinuatus L ightfoot
L i t t l e Frog Conch 4"

Strombus latus G m e l i n
West African and C a p e Verde I s .
Peru via n C o n c h
Strombus peruvianus Swa i n son
Pacific side of
Central America
CONCHS 45
S P I D E R C O N C H S (Strombidae) are closely related to the
true conchs. The ten known species of spider conchs are
l imited to the tropical waters of the I ndo-Pacific region. A
fossi l species is found in Hawaii. A l l are vegetarians and
lay spaghetti -li ke egg masses.
6"
C h i ragra S p i d e r ....
Conch 7"
Lambis chiragra L .
S . W . Pacific; common
..
Violet Spider Conch 3-4"
L. vialacea Swa i nsan
Mauritius; rare
46 SPIDER CONCHS
Scorp ion Co nch
L . scorpius Linne
Uncommon
Co m m o n Spider Conch 4"

Lambis lambis Linne
<IIIII Indo-Pacific; abundant
Orange Spider Conch

3-4" Gi a n t Spider Co nch 1 2"
L. crocota link Lombis truncate lightfoot
U ncommon Indian Ocean; common
� M i l l i ped Spider Co nch

L. millepede Linne
S . W. Pacifi c ; common
47
CARRIER AND TIBIA S HELLS
CAR R I E R SHELLS i n c l ude the J apa nese Carrier

Shell ( 1) Xenophora pa//idula Reeve , 4", which
attaches dead shells to i tself. (2) The Sunburst
Carrier, Ste//aria so/oris Linne, 3", from the West
ern Pacific, develops its own limy projections. The
animals are very active. Both species are i n the
fam i l y Xenophoridae.
TIBIA SHELLS, long and slender, are from the

P h i l i ppines. (3) Spindle Tibia, Tibia fusus l.,
reaches 12 i n . (4) Dwarf T i bia, Varicospira can
3. cel/ala l., is 1 i n . A l l are collector's items, and
belong to the fa m i l y Strombida e .
48 CA R R I E R A N D T I BIA S H E LLS
MOON S NAILS (Naticidae) tentacle
shell
Shell of moon snoil is en

veloped by large gray fool.
MO O N S N A I L S a r e f o u n d o n mea t . Their foot i s large and cov

sandy flats i n nearly a l l parts of ers much of the shell when i t i s
the world. They spend most of their extended . Egg-masses are laid i n
time digging through the sand i n collar-shaped cases made with fine
search o f c l a m s a n d smaller snai l s . sand. These are often found at low
They d r i l l a n e a t h o l e through the tide. The young hatch out i n 2 or 3
shell of their prey and rasp out the weeks.
Operc u l u m , or trapdoor, which

sea l s the mouth of Polinices and
Lunotio moon snails i s thin and
horny. Some are brown ; others a re
red .
Northern Moo n S n a i l 4"

At l a n t i c S h a rk Eye 2"
Lunatio heros Say
P. duplicatus Say
Canada to Virginia
Mas s . to Texas
Operculum of moon snails i n the genus
Natica i s hard and shel l - l i ke. Most mem
bers of this genus (over 100 species) live i n
sandy tropical b o y s ; s o m e l ive i n the Arc
tic. A. Attachment side. B . Outer side.
Ch i n a Moon 1 " Zebra Moon 1" Butte rfl y Moon 1 '/2'

Natica onca Reding N. undulata N. alapapilionis Reding
Indo-Pacific; a moderately Reding Indo- Pacifi c ; a l so found
common species found in I ndo- Pacific i n sand but uncommon
sand below low tide
Macul ated Moon 1" Stellate Moo n 2-3"

N. tigrina Reding N. stellata Chenu
Indo-Pacific Japan
Co lorful At l a n t i c Moon
N. canrena Linne
florida -Cari bbean 1-2"
50 N ATICA S N A I L S
Tiger Cowrie with its fleshy mantle When disturbed, its mantle con
pa rtly covering its shell tracts, revea l i n g the g l ossy she l l .
COW R I E S , with glossy, c h i na- l i ke shel l s , attracted primi

tive peoples who used them as ornaments, money and as
religious symbols . Today, cowries rank high with shell
collectors . Most of the 190 or so species are relatively
common in tropical seas . A few are very rare . The hard
shell and attractive colors are produced by the enveloping
fleshy mantle . Cowries are active at night, feedi ng on
hydro ids and similar small mari ne creatures .
C OW R I E S 51
AMERICAN COWRIES
American tropica l waters hove less
than a dozen species of cowries.
Four common Atlantic species are
found i n F l orida, and the uncom
mon Mouse Cowri e i s l i m i ted to the
Atl a n t i c Gray l ower Caribbean.
Cowrie 1 "
Cypraea cinerea
Atl a n t i c Ye llow Cowrie 1 "
Gme l i n C . spurca aciculari's Gmelin
F lorida-Cari bbean F l orida-Caribbean
Measled Cowrie 3" C hestnut Cowrie 2" Mouse Cowrie 2"

Cypraea zebra Linne Cypraea spadicea Cypraea mus Linne
F lorida-Caribbean Swa i nson Venezuela
Southern C a l iforn ia
At l a n t i c Deer Cowrie 4"

Pa n a m a Cowrie 2" Cypraea cervus L i nne
Cypraea cervinetta Kiener F lorida-Cuba-Yucatan
Gulf of Panama
52 C OW R I E S
AF RICAN COWRIES
South African waters are the home
of seven cowries; six of them are
relatively common. Fulton's Cow
rie is one of the world's ra rest,
found i n the stomachs of the Mussel
Cracker fish which feeds on i t .
Brown-Toothed Cowrie 1 1/2'

Cypraea angustata Gmelin
Cape C o w r i e
1" Toothless Cowrie 1"
Cypraea capensis Gray Cypraea edentula Gray
Fu lton's Cowrie 2"

Rat Cowrie 3" Cypraea fultoni Sower by
Cypraea stercoraria Linne
West Afr ica
C OW R I E S 53
PANAMA ( PACIFIC) COWRIES
Black-spotted Cowrie
L i t t l e Ara b i a n 1 - 1 '/,"
Robe rts' C o w r i e 1"
C. nigropunctata Gray
Cowrie 3/4" C . robertsi H ida lgo
C ypraea arabicula
Galapagos I s .
Lamarck
MEDITERRANEAN COWRIES
Pea r Cowrie 1"

C . pyrum Gmelin
Agate Cowrie 1"
C . achatidea
Sower by
Lurid Cowrie 1 '/2'

C . /urida L i n ne
Zoned Cowrie 1 112" Spurca Cowrie 3/4'

C . zonaria Gmel i n C . spurca spurca Linne
West Africa
54 C OW R I E S
AUS TRALIAN COWRIES
Fri e n d 's Cowrie 3"

Thersite Cowrie 3" Cypraea friendii Gray
C. thersites Gasko i n
Armen i a n Cowrie 4"

Cypraea armeniaco Verco
Western Austra l i a ; deep
water; rare
U m b i l icate Cowrie 4 " Dec i p i e n s Cowrie 2"

C . hesitata l redo le Cypraea decipiens E. A. Smith
Deep water; New South Wa les
..
Albino form of the

U m b i l icate Cowrie 4"
C. hesitata form alba Cox
C OW R I E S 55
COMMON INDO-PACIF IC COWRIES (2" or less)
Pacific Deer Cowrie 2" C o l o ba Cowrie 1"

C. vitellus L i n ne C . coloba Melvill
I ndian Ocean
Tahi t i a n Go ld-ringer
C . obvelata lamarck
Society Islands
Chi nese Cowrie 1 1/2'

Caurica Cowrie 1 V2 "
C . chinensis Gmel i n
C . caurica Linne
Go ld-ringer 1/2- 1 "

C . annulus Linne
Very common
lyn x Cowrie 1 - 2"

C. lynx Linne
Camel Cowrie 2"
C. camelopardalis Perry
Red Sea ; uncommon
56 C OW R I E S
COMMON INDO-PACIF IC COWRIES (2-4")
Panther Cowrie ( Red Sea) 3"

C. pantherina Lig htfoot
Tiger Cowrie 3"
Cypraea tigris Linne
Ara b i a n Cowrie 2"

C. arabica Linne Histrio Cowrie 2 '/,"
C . histrio G m e l i n
E g l a n t i n e Cowrie 2" Ret i c u l ated C o w r i e 3 "

C . eglantine Duclos C . maculifera Schi lder
Eyed Cowrie 4" Mo l e Cowrie 3"

Cypraea argus Linne Cypraea talpa Linne
U ncommon
C OW R I E S 57
COMMON IND O-PACIF IC COWRIES
Ve ntricu late Cowrie

C. ventriculus Lamarck
Isa b e l l e Cowrie 1"

C. isabella Linne
Carn e l i a n Cowrie 2"

C. carneola L i nne
To rtoise Cowrie 4"

C . festudinaria Linne
Oce l l ate Cowrie 1"

C. ocellata Linne Grooved-toothed
Indian Ocean only
Schi l d e r's Cowrie 1 '/,"

C. schilderorum Hu mp-back Cowrie 3"
lredale C . mouritiana Linne
Commonest on t h i s page
58 C OW R I E S
COMMON INDO-PACIF IC COWRIES (1-2")
S n a ke-head Cowrie
C. caputserpentis l . D ragon-head Cowrie
la ma rck's Cowrie
Ver y common C . caputdracanis Me lvill
C. lamarcki Gray
E a ster Island; uncommon
Boivi n's Cowrie

Thrush Cowrie C. boivini K i ener M i l i o ri s Cowrie
C . furdus lamarck C . miliaris Gmelin
Indian Ocean
E roded Cowrie
Onyx Cowrie Wo n d e r i n g Cowrie
Cypraea eros a
C. onyx Linne
Linne Cypraea erranes l.
C OW R I E S 59
UNCOMMON INDO-PACIF IC COWRIES
The cowries on these two pages occur i n various parts of
the I ndo-Pacifi c . Most are uncommo n . Most sought after
are the Map, Cox's and Stolid Cowries .
Dawn Cowrie 3/4' Porous Cowrie 3/4'

Cyproea diluculum c. paroria Linne
Reeve South Pacific
East Africa
Ta pering Cowrie 1 " Cox's Cowrie 3/4'

Cypraea teres Linne C. coxeni Cox
Cyli ndrical Cowrie 1"

C. cylindrica Born
Wa lker's Cowrie
C. walkeri Sowerby
S i e ve Cowrie 1"
C. cribroria L i nne
Z i g -Zag Cowrie
C. ziczoc L.
U ncommon
60 C OW R I E S
Map Cowrie 4"
Cypraea mappa l .
A popu lar collector's i tem
Honey Cowrie 1" Sto l i d Cowrie 1"

C . he/vola Linne C . stolida Linne
Moderately common
Ase l l u s Cowrie '/,"

Punctate Cowrie C. asellus Linne
113"
C. punctata l .
Jester Cowrie 1 - 1 '12"

C. scurro Gmel i n ....
U ncommon; two views
� N ucleus Cowrie %"

C. nucleus Linne
C h i ck-Pea Cowrie
C. cicerculo Linne ....
Money Cowrie 1"

C . m o neta Linne
Very common
Kitten Cowrie
C . felina Gmelin
C OW R I E S 61
SOME RARE COWRIE S
Seldom seen in amateur collec
tions, but greatly sought after, are
several rare cowries, some worth
severa l hundreds of dollars.
The Golden Cowrie i s not ex

ceed i ngly rare, but i s a choice col
lector's item from Melanesi a .
Cypraea aurantium Gmel i n , 4"
Leucodon Cowrie 3" Broderi p's Cowri e 3"

Cypraea leucodon Broderip Cypraea broderipii Sowerby
P h i l i ppines; very rare Indian Ocea n ; very rare
THE HELMET SHELLS
The large, massive helmet shells (Cassidae) are found in
tropical waters around the world . They live in shallow
· water on sandy bottoms and feed ma i n l y on sea urch i n s .
The larger ones are used i n making shell cameo s .
Tesse llate He l m e t 6-9"

Cassis fessellata Gmelin
West Africa ....
U ncommon /
•
K i n g He l met 7"
Cassis tuberosa L i n ne
Cari bbean
Ho rned He l met
Cassis co rn uta
Linne
Indo-Pacific
63
BON N ET S HELLS
Scotch Bon net 3"

� Pha lium gronu/otum Born
S . E . U . S . -Coribbean
Smooth Scotch Bonnet 3"

Phalium granulatum
form cicatricosum Gmelin
F l o rida-Caribbean
Striped Bonnet 3"

Phalium strigatum Gmelin
Gray Bonnet I ndo-Pacific
Phalium glaucum Linne
I ndo-Pacific; uncommon
C ha n n e l led Bon net 2"

J a p a n ese Bonnet 3"
P. cana/icu/atum Brugui ere Areola Bonnet 2"
P. bisulcatum Schubert
Indo-Pacifi c Phalium areola l.
and Wagner
Indo-Pacific
Japan
64 BO N N E T S H E LLS
Vi bex Bonnet of the
I n d o - P a c i fi c is v e r y
variable in shape, some
s p e c i m e n s a r e q u i te
s m o o t h ( r i g h t fig . ) ,
others with knobs on the
s h o u l d e r ( l ef t fi g . ) .
Casmaria erinaceus
Linne, 1-2"
l re d a l e's Bonnet
Pha lium labiatum P e rry
South Africa
Adult Red Helmets have no operculum . The animal is or

ange-red. Cameos are made from the large Bull Mouth
Helmet of the I ndian Ocean which lives i n shallow water.
Bull Mouth He l met 6"
Cypraecassis rufa L . ; Indian Oc e an
•
Contracted Cowrie -helmet 3"

C. coarctata Sowerby; Panama
3"
HELMET S HELLS
Tusca n He l met 3"

• G. rugosa L i nne
Prickly He l m e t 3" Med i terranean
Goleodeo echinophoro l .
Med iterranean
At l a n t i c Woodlouse 1" Ca ncellate Moru m 1 1/2'

Morum oniscus Linne Marum cancellotum Sowerby
Caribbean ; common Southeast Asia
Roya l Bonnet 2"

Sconsio striata lamarck E x q u i s ite Moru m 1 1/2'
Cari bbean ; deep water Morum exquisitum
Adorns & Reeve
P h i l i pp i nes; rare
66
THE F ROG SHELLS
The tropical frog shells (Bursidae) are represented by sev
eral genera and about 60 species , ranging i n s i ze from V2"
to 10". large ones were once used for oil lamps .
W i nged Frog S h e l l 3"

Gra n u lated Frog S h e l l 2" B iplex perca Perry
B ursa granularis Reding Southeast Asia
Cari bbean and Indo-Pacific
A common snail found on
reefs under rocks
Gi a n t Frog Shell 5-1 0"

B ursa bubo l. ; I ndo- Pacific
Moderately common near
coral reefs ....
THE TRITON TRUMPETS
There are less than a dozen spec ies of these large triton
trumpets. Most occur i n tropical waters near coral reefs.
By cutting off the end of the spire or making a round hole
in the side, natives use the large spec ies as trumpets . All
members of the family Cymati idae have horny opercula.
The Caribbean and the Indo-Pacific triton trum

pets are very closely related. The former has th i n,
raised teeth on the i n ner lip; the latter has wider,
flattened teeth, as shown below.
Pacific Tri ton 8- 1 5" Atlantic Triton 8-1 1 "

Choronio voriegoto Lamarck
Pust u l ed Triton 5" ....

Choronio pustuloto L a m .
South Africa
68
THE HAIRY TRITONS
Most of the hundred species of hairy tritons (family Cyma
tiidae) are characteri zed by a periostracum of "hai rs"
coveri ng the outside of the shel l . The fam i l y is mai n l y
tropical . Hairy tritons are carnivoro u s . They lay n umerous
horny egg capsules on rocks .
Common Ha i r y Triton 3-4"

Cymotium pileare Linne
Cari bbean and Indo-Pacifi c
Common on c o r a l reefs
Loto r i u m Triton 5"

Cymotium lotorium Linne
Indo-Pacific; moderately
common on reefs
Ang u l a r Triton 6"

Cymotium femorale
Linne �
F l a . -Caribbean
Common o n grass flats
H A I R Y T R I TO N S 69
THE T UN AND F IG SH ELLS
These are large, thin-shelled, rounded shells (family Ton
nidae), mostly tropical. The animal is usually larger than
the shell itself. Adults do not have an flperculum but may
have a thin, flaky periostracum. The snout contains acid.
Gri n n i n g Tu n 4-7"
• G i a n t Tu n 5-7" Malea ringens Swa i n son
Tonna galea Linne Panama ( Pacific side) T
Worldwide; tropical
At l a n t i c Fig S h e l l 4"
Ficus communis Rii d ing
S . E. U n i ted States
No operc u l u m
70 T U N S AND F I G S
THE MURE X SHE LLS
This is a major marine fam i l y (Muricidae) which contai ns a
large number of genera and a vast array of species . They
are worldwide in distri bution , but are found mai n l y i n
tropical waters . long spi nes and fri l l s c haracter i ze thi s
attractive gro u p . The typical Murex gen us shown on t h i s
page contai ns about 2 0 species . T h e opercu l um i s horny.
Troschel's M u rex 5 - 7"

Murex troscheli Lischke
Southeast Asia and Japan
T
Ve n u s Comb M u rex 4-6"

Murex pecten L i g htfoot
I ndo-Pacific T
M U R E X S H E LLS 71
M U R E X S N A I LS (below) are large, showy s pecies living
colonially on sandy mud flats on the Pacific side of Central
Ameri ca. Many other smaller, attractive species are known
in this area. All murex snai l s feed on other mol l usks,
espec ial l y bivalves. Eggs are laid i n c l u sters of capsu l es.
R a d i x M u rex 4" P i n k-mouthed Mu rex 4"

Murex radix Gmel i n Murex erythrostomus Swa i n son
Ca bbage M u rex 5" Reg a l M u rex 4"

Murex brassica Lamarck Murex regius Wood
72 M U R EX S H E LLS
Earliest use of murex snails as a source
of dye goes back to the days of the
Phoen icians. Later, Greeks and Romans
made use of the valuable co loring material. The murex
snai l s secrete a yellowish fl u id which, when boi led and
treated, makes a permanent purple dye. Wool and cotton
dyed with this so-called Royal Tyrian P urple brought very
h igh pri ces. During Roman times only Senators and Emper
ors were allowed to wear purple cloth. After the fall of the
Roman Empire the dye was u sed by the Christian Church
and gave rise to the offical colors of Cardi nals. Many new
towns were settled in the western Mediterranean by Phoe
nicians seeki ng fresh beds of the dye-produc i ng murex
shel l s.
Dye M u rex 3 "
Murex brandaris
Linne
B o i l i ng Med iterranean
purple dye
of shal low water i n c l ude
I N D O - PAC I F I C M U R E X S H E LLS
the common species i l l ustrated bel ow. The E ndive and
Adustus are from coral reefs; Sni pe's B i l l Murex is from
deeper water and occurs in pairs .
S n i pe's B i l l 4"
Murex haustellum Linne
Adustus M u rex 2"

Murex brunneus Link
Ram ose M u rex 8- 1 2"
74 M U R E X S H E L LS
SOME RARE
M UREX SHELLS
C l a v u s M u re x , r a r e , m a y
sometimes have a purple
mouth. I t i s more often found
i n Japan, the P h i l i ppi nes and
East Africa . Murex elongafus
lightfoot, 2 - 3 V2'
The Z a m bo M u rex (right) is

found on rocks in the central
P h i l i p p i nes at depths of 1 0 ft.
M. zamboi Burch & Burch, 2"
The Scorp ion M u rex ( l ower

left) may be black, brown or
wh i t i s h . As i t grows, old spines
a re d issolved by mantle. Mu
rex scorpio Linne, 1 - 2"
T Rose-bra n c h Murex ( l ower

right) is popular collector's item �
from southeast Asi a . Murex
palmarosae lamarc k , 3-4"
EAST E R N AM E R I CA N M U R E X S H E LLS i nclude the com
mon species illustrated below. All live in shallow water,
usually on muddy bottoms . All feed on small clams. The
Giant Eastern Murex also lives i n the Gulf of Mexico . The
Apple Murex and lace Murex are abundant on the west
coast of Florida, and are commercially collected.
G i a n t E a stern Mu rex 5"

Murex fulvescens Sowerby
Carolinas to Texas
76
LAT I AX I S S H E LLS (Corallioph ilidae) are abundant and
varied in the waters around Japan, which are famous for
these species. All are noted for their alabaster white shells
and delicate sculpturing. Mawe's Latiaxis, discovered in
the early 19th century, was once a great rarity. N ow it is
more common, and P ilsbry's Latiaxis is considered the top
species for collectors . Less attractive species occur in the
Cari bbean and Eastern Pacific.
Eugenio's Loti o x i s 2" Armored Lotioxis 1 " J a pan Lotio xis 2"
Latiaxis eugeniae Ber n . Latiaxis armatus Sby. La tiaxis japonicus D u n ker
Japan; deep water Japan; deep water. Japan; deep water
Mawe's Lat i a x i s 2 1/2"

Latiaxis mawae G. & P.
Japan; deep water
Pilsbry's Lot i o x i s 1 1/2"

Latiaxis pilsbryi H i rase
Japan; deep water
,, }
/'
LATIAXIS 77
R O C K S H E LL S of many species (family Thaididae) live i n
large colonies along rocky shores , where they feed on
mussels, oysters and barnacles. Many secrete a purple
dye, used by Central American Indians to color cotton.
The Barnacle Rock Shell resembles an abalone but has no
holes; it i s fished commerc ially for food.
Eye of J udas 3"

Purpura plonospira
W. I n d i a n Pu rpura 3" lamarck E . I n d i a n Purpura 3"
Purpura potu/a Linne Galapagos Islands; Purpura persico Linne
Florida-Caribbean Central America East Indies
G i rd l ed Rock Shell 1 '/, '' Barnacle Rock S h e l l 4"

Thais cinguloto Linne Concholepas concholepas Bruguiere
Cope of Good Hope Peru and C h i l e
78 P U R P U RA R O C K S H E LLS
D R U P E S N A I LS are smal l , colorfu l thaids found only on
the coral-rock shores of the I ndo- Pacific area . The Fri l led
Dogwinkle, common along the northwest shores of N orth
America, has relatives in other cool -water areas such as
New E ngland and northern E urope . All members of t h i s
family lay urn- l i ke egg capsules .
Prickly Drupe 1" Finger Drupe 1"

Drupo ricinus D. grossulorio
Purple Drupe 1"
Linne Roding
Drupo morum
Roding
Fri l l e d Dog w i n k l e 1 - 5" Nucello lomelloso Grnelin

N. W. U n i ted States; variable i n shape and color
T
Pacific Horse Chestnut 2"
T hais hippocostoneo L. Sert u m Rock S h e l l 2"
Indo-Pacific Nosso serta
Bruguiere
Indo-Pacific
D R U P E S A N D D O GW I N K L E S 79
I LS of the family Magilidae are
u sually c l osely assoc iated with soft and hard corals or sea
fans. Most species do not have radular teeth. The Magilus
Snail of the tropical Pacific l i ves i n brain coral. As the

coral grows , the snai l also lengthens its she l l and fills up its
early whorls with solid, shel ly material. The Papery Rapa
lives in soft, yel l ow corals of the P h i l i ppi nes, ma i ntai ning
contact with the ocean's water through a small hole in its
host. The Caribbean Coral Snai l lives i n the base of sea
sna i l s in base
Caribbean Cora l S n a i l 1"

Coralliaphila caribaea Abbott
West Indies
Mag i I u s Sn a i l 1 - 3" Papery Rapa 3"

Magilus antiquus Montfort
R a p a rapa L i n n e
Indo-Pacific I ndo-Pacific; l i v e s i n s o f t caro l
early
whorls
80 R A PA A N D C O RA L S N A I LS
Common Northern
AN IMAL WITH S H E L L R EMOV E D Bucc i n u m 3"
Buccinum undatum Linne
N. Atlantic; common offshore
W H E LKS of the family Buccin idae form a large grou p of

many genera and over 400 spec ies. All have corneous
opercula and a radula with three rows of strong teeth .
Eggs are laid i n large c l umps o f egg capsu l es. Whelks feed
upon marine worms and clams. It is one of the few famil ies
to have representatives i n both arctic and tropical waters .
Arctic species of the genus Buccinum are generally drab
colored. The tropical genera are colorfu l and l i ve i n shal
l ow water.
New E n g l a n d Neptune 4"

Neptunea decemcostota Soy Neptune
Canada to Mass . ; common offshore egg capsules
W H E LKS 81
COLD-WATER WHELKS
The buccinids are ravenous carnivores , and the larger
species do great damage to clam beds. In Japan, they are
commercially fished for food and are used as bait. Species
like the J apelion are common in fossil beds and indicate
cold-water conditions in former geological times. A few
species of buccinids may lack an operculum. The cold
water buccinids are few in species but numerous as individ
uals, but in the tropics are colorful and varied.
H i rose's W h e l k 4"
J ape/ion hirasei P i l sbry
N o r thern Japan; a cold·water species
D i lated Whelk 6-7" ....

Penion dilatatus Q. & G .
N ew Zea land;
a cold -water species
82 W H E L KS
TROPICAL WHELKS
S p i ra l Babylon 3"
Babylonia spirata Linne
S . E . Asia
Signum Whelk 2"
Siphonalia signum Reeve
A common species in Japan; Fa lse Triton 3"
o pest of oysters Colubraria moculoso Gmelin
Indian Ocean ; a n uncommon
species found around coral reefs
Z e l a n d i c Babylon 3"
B . zelandica Bruguiere
Indian Ocean ; uncommon Phos W h e l k 2"
N ote the purple ridge at Phos senticosus Linne
the base of the shell Indo-Pacific; commonly d redged
C h a n neled Babylon 2"

B. canaliculata Schumacher
Indian Ocean
W H E L KS 83
T H E M E LO N G E N A S (Melo ngenidae) are car n i vores,
feedi ng on clams and snails. The Australian Trumpet is
the world's largest gastropod-over two feet long .
The young hatch from the egg capsule with a long,
slender spire which is usually broken off by the
ti me the an imals mature.
American C rown Conch 2-4"

Melongena corona Gmelin
S . E . U n i ted Stoles; common
Austra l ian Tru m pet or Baler 2 ft.

Syrinx aruanus Linne
N. Austra l i a
Cari bbean C rown Conch 4-5"

Melongena melongena Linne
West Indies; found i n sha l l ow
water; feeds on clams
young shell of
Austra l i a n Trumpet l
I
84 BAL E R S A N D M E LO N G E N AS
( Fasciolariidae) are typical of S. E. United
T U L I P S H E LLS
States. Three spec ies i n Florida i nclude the 20- i nch
Horse Conch. Tuli ps lay thei r eggs i n large clu m ps
of parchment-like capsules. Adu l ts feed on
clams.
Banded Tu l i p 3"
Fasciolaria hunteria Perry
Carolinas to Texas; feeds on clams
Common i n shal low water
Florida H o rse Conch 20"

Pleuroploca gigantea K i ener
Carolinas to Mexico; common offshore
True Tu l i p
Fasciolaria
tulipa Linne
Carolinas to
West Indies;
common
operculum of Tu l i p
T U L I P S H E L LS 85
C l oster S p i n d l e 7"
Fusinus closter P h i l i ppi
lower Caribbean ; uncommon
D i staff S p i n d l e 4" N icobar S p i n d l e 4"

Fusinus co I u s Linne F. nicobaricus Reding
Indo-Pacific Indo-Pacific
S P I N D L E S H E LLS (fam ily Fasciolariidae) of some 50 spe

cies are well known to collectors because of their long,
graceful shape. These snails live on sandy bottoms and
travel in pairs. The largest Atlantic species, the Closter
Spindle, is a collector's item.
86 S P I N D L E S H E LLS
F U LG U R W H E LKS (Melongenidae) of eastern American
waters have been abundant since Miocene ti mes, some 30
m illion years ago . Today there are six com mon species .
long chains of egg capsules are often washed ashore . The
lightning Whelk is normally "left-handed . "
a string af
egg cases
7"
Busycan carica Gmelin
Mass. ta Georg i a
C h a n n e led Whelk 6"

B . canaliculatum Linne
Mass. ta Florida
Lightning Whelk 4- 1 6"

• Busycan contrarium Conrad
Carolinas to Texas
87
OLIVE S H E LLS (family Olividae) with their agate-like sheen
and attractive shape have l ong been favorites . The family
i s characteri zed by great variation i n color and markings .
The genus Oliva has no opercu l um . The mantle and foot of
the an imal partly cover the outer shel l . Over 300 species
of o l ive shel l s l ive on sandy bottoms where they feed on
smaller mo l l usks. The best time to col lect olives is at night,
at l ow tide. P h i l i ppine col lectors u se bait on a tiny hook
and l i ne .
E a r O l ive
0/ivancillaria vesica
Gme l i n
Eastern South America
Common i n sand
Te nt O l i ve 3-5"
Oliva porphyria L i nne
W. Central America
U ncommon offshore
Ta nkerv i l l e's O l i ve 3"

Ancillo tankervillei Swo i nson
Venezuela; uncommon i n sand
88 OLIVES
Orange-mouthed O l i ve 3"
Oliva sericea Riid i n g . Indo-Pacifi c . N ote calor variation
on backs. T h i s i s a very common sand-dwe l l i n g spec ies .
Purple-mouthed O l i ve 2-3" G i b bose O l i ve 2"

Oliva c aerulea Riid i n g Oliva gibbosa Riid i n g
Indo-Pac ific; common I n d i a n Oceo n ; abundant
Lette red O l i v e 2 1/,"

Oliva sayana Ravenel
S. E. U n i ted States; common i n sand
OLIVES 89
VASE SHELLS
About two dozen species (fom ily Vasidae) , all tropical ,
have heavy shells with 4 to 5 spi ral ridges on the inner lip.
Most are common and found near shore, but some, like the
Lat i rus-shaped Vase , are deep-water species.
Common Atlantic Vase 4"

Vasum muricatum Born
Florida and West Indies
La ti rus-sha ped Vase 2"

V. lotiriforme Reh . & Abb.
Gulf of Mexico; rare
Ceram Vase 4-5"

V. ceramicum Linne
Indo-Pacific
A common reef species
�
3"
G l o be Vase 1 "
V. g lobulus l a m .
Lesser Antil les
90 VA S E S H E LLS
CH ANK SH ELLS
The very massive chank shells (Turbinellidae) are found in
only a few areas. In India and Sri lanka they are collected
by the thousands and cut into ornamental rings and ban
gles. Rare "left-handed" specimens are mounted in gold
and placed on H i ndu altars. Chanks are characterized by
a nipple-like apex and folds on the inner lip.
West I n d i a n C h a n k 1 0"
Turbinella angulata lightfoot
Bahamas, C uba and Mexico
A common sha llow-water
species in the Bahamas.
Outer s k i n flakes off.
Indian Chank 6"

Turbinella pyrum Linne
Bay of Beng a l , India
C H A N K S H E LLS 91
MITER SHELLS
The renowned Mitridae family of warm, shallow seas in
cludes nearly 600 spec ies, from 0.3 to 6 in. long . The inner
lip usually has 3 to 5 strong, curved teeth. Miters use their
long retractable snout to feed on worms and clams . They
burrow in sand but keep their si phon extended. Eggs, in
small horny capsules, a re attached to stones . The Indo
Pacific region has about 400 species of miters . Some of
the larger and more common ones are illustrated on these
two pages . Miters are usually found under rocks .
Episcopal Miter 3-5"

Mitra mitro L i nne
A common Indo-Pacifi c ,
carol -reef species
C a rd i n a l Miter 2-3"
M . cardino/is Gmelin
Indo-Pacific
"' snout
radulor
teeth
tip of snout
92 MITERS
Adusta Miter
Mitra eremitarum Reding
P i n -poi nted Miter 2" Pont i fica l Miter 2"

M. puncticulata lamarck Mitra stictica l i n k
Papal Miter 3 - 4 " M . papa/is L i n ne

One of the handsomest of the common
m i ters from the Indo-Pacific area �
COMMON I m perial Miter 2"

INDO-PACIF IC M. imperio/is Red i n g
MITERS T
Melon - l i ke Miter 1 "
M. cucumerina Lamarck
Under rocks; sha l l ow water
MITERS 93
Pl icate Miter 2" Rugose Miter 2" Little Fox Miter 2"
Vex ilium plicarium V. rugosum V. vulpeculum
L i nne L i n ne L i nne
Indo-Pacific; common Indo-Pacific; common Indo-Pacific; common
Belcher's Miter 3" Zaca Miter 3"

Mitra belcheri H i nds M . z a c a Strong & Hanna
West Panama; uncommon West Panama; uncommon
Nodulose Miter 2"

Ba rbados Miter 2" M. nodulosa Gmeli n
M . barbadensis Gmelin Caribbean ; common
Cari bbean ; common
94
COMMON INDO-PACIF IC MITERS
letter Miter 3/4''
Mitro litterata lamarck
Pa p i l i o Miter 2"
M . popilio l i n k
Isabel Miter 3" Auger- l i k e

M . isabella Swainson
Miter 4"
M. terebralis
lamarck ....
B l ood-sucker Miter 2"

Poor Miter 1"
M . sanguisuga
M . paupercula
linne
linne
MITERS 95
S i n o Miter 1 1/2' Dact y l u s Miter 2"
N ucea Miter 2"
Pterygia sinensis Reeve
Pterygia nucea Gmel i n Pterygia dactylus L .
East Asia Indo-Pacific
Indo-Pacific
Casta Miter 2"

Swainsonia casta Gmelin O l i ve-shaped Miter 1/,-%"
I ndo-Pacific Swoinsonia olivaeformis Swo i nson
I ndo-Pacific
Cone Miter 1" Common l m bricaria 3/4" Fenestrate Miter %"

Pterygia conus Gme l . lmbricaria conica Sch u m . Pterygia fenestrate Lam.
Southwest Pacific South Pacific Indo-Pac ific
Some of the smal ler species of miter shells (above) show

great diversity in shape, especial ly Indo- Pacific genera
such as Swainsonia, lmbricaria and Pterygia_ Some of
these strange miters resemble cones, ol ives and Strombus
conchs . These genera contain only a few dozen species,
which are all sand-dwel l ers.
96 MITERS
VOLUTES
Volute shells (Volutidae) are large, colorful gastropods.
Popular with collectors, some command high prices. Of
about 200 kinds, most live in shallow, tropical seas, but
some come from deep waters and a few from polar waters .
Volutes are carnivorous, rapid crawlers . Females lay eggs
in leathery capsules. The operculum is absent in most, but
not in the true Vo/uta. Volute shells have strong folds, fairly
constant in number, on the columella .
Music Vol ute 2-3"

Voluto musico L i n ne
Hebrew Vol ute 5" C ari bbean
Voluta ebraea
Linne
Brazil
columella
• folds
•• .. . ..
VO LU T E S 97
'
'•
Bot Vo lute 3"

Aulico vespertilio Linne
Aulico Vo l ute 4"
Aulica aulica ltf t . �
/ P h i l ippines; rare
<IIIII Noble Vol u te 5"

Aulica nobilis lightfoot
S . E . Asia; uncommon
Imperial Vol ute 1 0"

Aulica imperialis lightfoot
P h i l i ppines; uncommon
..
98 VO LU T E S
FLO R I DA VOLUTES belong to the
subfamily Sco phellinoe, ond all l ive
in fa i r l y dee p water exce p t for
the J unonio, which i s occasionally
washed ashore i n west F lorida . The
animals ore spotted l i ke their shells
and they a l l lock o n operc u l u m .
S o m e ore v e r y rare .
Kiener's Volute 4-7"

Scaphella kieneri Clench
Dee p water; rare ....
Dohrn's Vo l u te 3"
Scaphella dohrni Sowerby
Dee p water; rare
J u n o n i a Vo l u te 4-5"
Scaphella ;unonio lamarck
S . E. U n i ted Stoles ....
VOLU T E S 99
J APANESE VOLUTES
•
S h i n-bone Vo l u te 2%"
Teromochio tibiaeformis
Kuroda
Japan; rare
Asia n Flame Vo lute 4" ....

Fulgoraria rupesfris Gmelin
Chino and Formoso
Common offshore
<IIIII N ota ble Japa nese Vo l u te 5"

Fulgoraria concinna Broderi p
Japan; uncommon
Deli cate Volute 3"

Fulgoraria delicafa Fulton
Japan; uncommon
1 00
VOLUTE S
Lightn i n g Vo lute
Ericusa fulgetrum Sby.
South Austra lia
U ncommon
Vex i l l ate Vo lute 3"

Harpulina arausiaca lightfoot
Ceylon; uncommon
Ara b Vo lute 4"

Alcithoe orobico Gme l i n
New Zea land
Common
Ponson by's Vo lute 2"

Alcithoe ponsonbyi E. A . Smith
South Africa; rare
1 01
MELON OR BALER SHELLS
These moderately common

volutes have a huge foot .
..
Mammal Volute 1 0"
Livonia mammilla Sowerby
outh Austra l i a ; offshore
..
I n d i a n Vol u te 8"
Melo melo Lightfoot
Southeast Asia
Offshore
Eth iopian Volute 6- 1 4"

Melo aethiopicus Linne
Indo-Pacifi c ; offshore i n sand ....
1 02 VO LU T E S
WES T AF RICAN
VOLUTES
E l e p h a n t's S n o u t
Volute 1 0- 1 4"
Cymbium glans Gmelin
Abundant offshore
O l l a Vo lute 8"
Cymbium olio linne
Common offshore
Neptune's Volute 6" �
Cymbium pepo lightfoot
Common offshore
VO LU T E S 1 03
AUS TRALIAN VOLUTES
Tu rner's Vo l u te 2"
A moria furneri Gray
N orthern Austra l i a
T
Damon's Vo l ute 4"

E l l i ot's Vo lute 3 "
A moria damoni Gray
A moria elliofi Sowerby
Western Australia
South Austra l i a
Uncommon
Common in s a n d
Bed n a l l's Vol u te 4"

Volutoconus bednalli Brazier
Northern Austra l i a ; rare
Gross' Vo l ute 4 '/•" ....

Volutoconus grossi lredale
Queensland; rare
I
1 04
Some volutes not only have a very broad foot, but also
extend the fleshy, shell-mak i ng mantle over the outer shell,
such as seen i n the top view of a crawling Angula r Volute
from Brazil (left) .
Ang u l a r Vol ute 4-5"

Zidono dufresnei Donovan
Bra z i l ; a n i m a l left, shell right
Common offshore
Abyssa l Vol u te 3"

Volutocorbis abyssicola Ads. & Rve .
South Africa; deep water; rare Del esse rt's Vo l ute 2" ....
Lyria delessertiana Petit
T Madagascar; uncommon
Miter-shaped Vo l ute 2"

Lyria mitraeformis lamarck
South Austra l i a
Common
VO LU T E S 1 05
N U TMEGS (Cancellariidae) are oddly sculptured with
strong spi ral teeth on the inner lip. The largest number of
species are in the western American tropics.
Cancel late Nutmeg 1" Oblique N utmeg 1" Ye l low-mouthed

Concellorio concefloto C . obliquafo Nutmeg 1 "
Linne lamarck C. chrysosfoma
West Africa Indo- Pacific Sower by
Moderately common Commonly dredged West Central America
Uncommon offshore;
mouth sometimes
orange, but fades
when shell i s dead
Speng l e r's N utmeg 2"

C . spengleriana Deshayes
East Asia; common
Hel met-shaped N utmeg 1 1/2'

Common N utmeg 2" C . cassidiformis Sowerby
C . reficulata L i n n e Panama to Ecuador
S . E. U n i ted States
1 06 N U TM E G S
MAR G I N S H E LLS (Marginellidae) are small and colorful,
especially those from the shores of West Africa . Bubble
Margin is the largest from the Americas.
Common At l a n t i c Orange Marg i n Rose Marg i n

Marg i n S h e l l '/•" Shell 1 " Shell 1 "
Prunum apicinum Menke Prunum corneum Storer Marginella rosea lam .
U . S . to Caribbean Florida-Caribbean South Africa
Common i n bays Uncommon offshore U ncommon offshore
Bubble Marg i n S h e l l 2-3" Belted Marg i n S h e l l 1 "

Prunum bullatum Born Prunum cingulatum D i l lwyn
Bra z i l ; uncommon West Africa
Bean Marg i n Shell 1"

Marginella foba Linne
West Africa
MARG I N S H E LLS 1 07
CONE SHELLS
Cone shells (Conidae) total about 400 species from most
warm, tropical waters. The majority of the species are
Indo-Pacific. Some 50 species are found in the Americas.
Cones are heavy, with broad spires and tapering whorls,
although some are as small as a grain of rice. Cones are
carnivorous, feeding on worms and small fish. A few from
the Indian and Pacific oceans can i nflict serious and per
haps fatal stings. The largest of the Textile Cones and the
Indo- Pacific Geography Cones are venomous. Poison from
the venom sac in the head and a tiny "harpoon" in the
radula sac are ejected from the proboscis and stabbed into
the victim. American cones have a m ild sting. Cones prefer
shallow water in coral reefs and under rocks. Their eggs,
in flat, leaflike capsules, are attached to rocks.
Living Textile Cone
DETAILS OF POISON APPARAT U S
1 08 CONES
GLORY-OF -TH E-SEAS
G l o ry-of-the-Seas 4 - 5 "
Conus gloriamaris Chemnitz
Southwest Pacific
Once considered a great rarity, the Glory-of-the-Seas was

a much sought-after cone and thought to be the most
valuable shel l in the wor ld. In recent years scu ba divers in
the southwest Pacific and bottom-net fishermen in the Phil
ippines have discovered hundreds of new specimens. Per
fect ones still sel l for several h undred dollars. Other rare
species of cones and cowries bring several thousands of
dollars. The Glory-of-the-Seas has almost straight, grace
ful outlines of the whorls and a very fine network of color
ation. Do not confuse this with the common Textile Cones
shown on page 113. Their sides are much more rounded
and their spires less elevated. The Glory-of-the-Seas has
not been known to be fatal, but is probably capable of
inflicting a serious sting.
CONES 1 09
COMMON INDO-PACIF IC CONES
dark phose
light phose
F i g Cone 3"
E b u rneus Cone 2" Conus figulinus Linne
Conus eburneus Hwoss Right: with periostrocum
Two color forms Left: c leaned shell
Tessellate Cone 1 -2" Marble Cone 4"

Conus tessulatus Born Conus marmoreus Linne
Spots vary i n size Rarely a l b i nistic
1 10 CONES
Pacific
lettered
Cone 3-5"
leopard Cone 5 -9"
Conus litteratus L.
Conus leop a rdus Ri:iding
N ote brown ish end
Note white lower end
The common Indo-Pacific cones on these two pages live in

sand , usually near coral reefs . By day they hide in the
sand; at night they emerge and feed-mainly on marine
worms . Living shell has a "skin" or periostracum .
Betu l i n u s Cone Conus betulinus L . Hebrew Cone
Southwest Pacific 4-6"
3"
Conus nussotello L i nne
Indo- Pacific reefs
Distant Cone 4" V i rg i n Cone 4"

Conus distons Hwass Conus virgo L i n ne
Indo- Pacific reefs Indo-Pacific boys
Magus Cone 3"

Conus magus Linne S o l d i er Cone 3"
I ndo-Pacific Conus miles Li nne
A variable species Indo- Pacific
1 12 CONES
TEXTILE CONES
This group of cone shells, found mainly
in the Indo-Pacific region, is marked
with small tent-like triangles. All are
closely related to the common Textile
Cone (right). large ones are venomous.
See Glory-of-the-Seas, page 109.
Net ted Cone 2"

Conus retifer Me n ke
Indo- Pacific; uncommon
Tex t i l e Cone 3-4"

Conus textile Linne
Aulicus Cone 4-6"

Conus aulicus Linne
Indo- Pacific ; uncommon
T
Queen Victoria Cone 3" Abbas Cone 3"
Conus victoriae Reeve Conus abbas Hwass
N. W. Austra lia Indo- Pacific
U ncommon
CONES 1 13
The cones on this page are unusual and the pride of
collectors . The Geography Cone is venomous, the General
is the most common, and the Pertusa is hardest to find.
Pontifical Cone 1"

Pertusa Cone 1 1/2' Conus dorreensis
Conus pertusus Hwass
Peron and Lesueur
I ndo-Pacific Austra l i a
Lithograph Cone 2"
Conus litoglyphus Hwass
Indo- Pacific
Boug h Cone 4" Geography Cone 5"

Conus thalassiarchus Sowerby Conus geographus Linne
_.-P h i l i pp i nes; uncommon Indo- Pacific
General Cone 3"

Conus generalis L .
I ndo-Pacific
Variable colors
T
1 14 CON ES
Some of these cones are so rare that few collectors have
them. Their rarity may indicate that their true habitat,
where they may be more common, hasn't been discovered.
Rhododen d ro n Cone 2 '1•"
Conus adamsani Broder i p
Central Pacifi c ; v e r y rare
/
..
..
'•
.,
U ncommon
N o b i l i t y Cone 1 - 2" Zoned Cone 3"

Conus nobilis Linne Conus zonatus Hwass
Southwest Pacific; rare Andaman I s lands
in most areas , but less so
in the Sulu Sea , P h i l i ppi nes
CONES 1 15
Cancellate Cone 1 '/•"
Conus cancellatus Hwass
Common offshore
Deep Sea Cone 3" Tera mach i's Cone 3 "

Conus smirna Conus teramachi K u roda
Bartsch & Rehder Rare; deep water
J APANESE CONES
Siebo ld's Cone 3 "
Austra l Cone 3" Conus sieboldi Reeve
Conus australis H olten U ncommon offshore
Common offshore
Fu lmen Cone 2"

Conus fulmen Reeve
Shal low water; common
1 16 CONES
Genua nus Cone 2"
Conus genuanus Linne
Rare
Trader Cone 1 1/2'

Conus mercator Linne
U ncommon
Prometheus Cone 8- 1 2"

Conus p ulcher lightfoot
Largest living cone
Moderately common Butterfl y Cone 3 "
Actua lly the young o f the
Prometheus Cone
CONES 1 1 7
F LORIDA-CARIBBEAN
CONES
Crown Cone 3"

Conus regius Gmel i n
Common on reefs
S. F l a . -W. Indies
Alphabet Cone 3"

Conus spurius Gmelin
Common i n sand
F l a . -Gulf of Mexico
Jeweled Cone •;,"

Conus hieroglyphus Duclos
Caribbea n ; rare
Florida Cone 2"

Conus floridanus Gabb
Common i n sand
N. Car. -Fiorida; variable
Glory-of-the-Atlantic 2"
Conus granulatus Linne
Florida-W. Indies; rare
Sozon's Cone 4" �

C. delessertii Rec l u z
Southeast U . S .
U ncommon offshore
1 18 CONES
I n terru pted Cone 2"
Lucid Cone 2"
Conus ximenes Gray
Conus lucidus Wood
Mexico to Peru
Mexico to Ecuador
Common
U ncommon
PACIF IC PANAMA ladder Cone 2"

CONES Conus gra da tu s Wood
High-spired sea/oris form
Pri nce Cone 2 1/2' West Central America; uncommon
conus princeps li nne
Mexico to Ecuador Pea r-shaped Cone 3"
U ncommon Conus patricius H i nds
N icaragua Ia Ecuador
Common
CONES 1 19
AUGER SHELLS (Terebridae) are long and
brightly colored. The radu la and poison
gland are s i m i lar to those of cone shel ls.
No venomous sting has been recorded. Most
are tropical sand-dwel lers. The largest of
some 300 species is the Indo-Pacific Marl in
spike, 6-8 inches long.
Strigote Auger 1 1/2'

Terebra strigillata L i nne
Indo-Pacific; uncommon
D u p l i cate Auger 3"

Terebra duplicata lamarck
Austra l i a ; common in
sand i n shal low water
Morl i n s p i ke 6-8"
Terebra maculata Linne
Indo-Pacific; abundant Tiger Auger 2"
Terebra felina D i l lwyn
1 20 AUGERS
COMMON INDO-PACIFIC AUGERS
S u b u l ate Auger 6" Muscaria Auger 6"

Terebro subuloto Linne Terebro oreolata L i n k
Indo-Pacific; sandy areas I ndo-Pacific; n e a r reefs
D i m id i a te Auger 6"
Terebro dimidioto Linne
I ndo-Pacific; muddy sand
AUGERS 121
Triseriote Auger 5"
Terebro triserioto Gray
I ndo-Pacifi c ; col lector's item
Cren u l ate Auger 6"

Terebro crenufoto Linne
Indo- Pacific; common
Left: typical form
Eyed Auger 6" Right: fimbriate form
Terebro guftoto Reding
I ndo-Pacific; uncommon
1 22 AUGERS
INDO-PACIF IC AUGERS
3. 4.
1 . Cerith i n a Auger 1" 3 . Affi n i s Auger 1 "

Terebra cerithina lamarck Terebro affinis Gray
Common Abundant; l ives in sand, under rocks
2 . C h l orate Auger 2" 4 . Babylon Auger 1 "

Terebro chlorate lamarck Terebro bobylonio lamarck
Common Abundant; l ives i n sand, under rocks
These small augers l ive i n sand at depths of 3 to 60 feet. They toke shelter
under small coral rocks. Col lectors "fan" the water briskly to stir away
the sand and reveal the brightly colored augers. Some people use wire
mesh sieves.
�
-
�
La nce Auger 2"
Nebu l ose Auger 3 " Terebro lonceofo Linne
Terebro nebulosa Sowerby Uncommon; i n sand
Uncommon; in sand
AUGERS 1 23
F LORIDA-CARIBBEAN AUGERS
1 . G ray Auger 3/•"

Terebra cinerea Gme l i n
West I n d i e s ; common
2 . Atl a n t i c Auger 2"

Terebra dislocata Say
S . E . U n i ted States; common
3 . Florida Auger 3 "

Terebra Roridona Doll
Off F l orida; uncommon
4 . Flame Auger 4-6"

Terebra taurinus lightfoot
A rare West Indian species
5. S h i n y Auger 2"
Terebra hastata Gmelin
Florida-West I ndies; common
1 24 AUGERS
CENTRAL AMERICAN AUGERS
2.
3.
1 . Va riegate Auger 2"

Terebra voriegoto Gray
Panama; moderately common
2 . Robust Auger 4"

Terebra robusta H i nds
Mexico to Ecuador; uncommon
3. Zebra Auger 4"

Terebro strigoto Sowerby
Mexico to Panama; uncommon
In sandy areas between Baja California and E cuador about

40 species of Terebra are found . A few are outstanding in
color and size; most are small; some very common . These
three burrow in muddy sand .
AUGERS 1 25
(Turridae) are a highly evolved group of
T U R R I D S H E LLS
marine gastropods. The radu l a r teeth have been reduced
to a single row in most forms. Most have a "turrid" notch
or indentation on the upper pa rt of the outer lip. Severa l
hundred species of va riable shapes are found both in very
deep and in shallow water. Turrid shel l s var y i n length from
H u m ped Tu rrid 2"

Crassispira gibbasa Born
West Indies; rare
Fusiform Tu rrid 3"

Spergo fusiforme Kur. & Hobe
Japan; rare
E a r Tu rrid 1"
Babylon Tu rrid 3" Clavus conoliculoris Red i ng
Turris babylonia L i n n e Indo-Pacific; common
1 26 TU R R I DS
1/1 6
to 5 " . The Miraculous Thatcheria, below, is the world's
largest turrid shell . A few cold-water species are sini strally
coiled, or "left-handed . " Japan alone has over 400 spe
cies of turrids.
J APANESE TURRIDS
face view
Miracu lous Thatcheria 4-5"

T hatcheria m irabilis Sowerby
Japan; deep water
Moderately common
left-handed Tu rrid
Anti planes contraria Yokoyama
Bering Sea ; uncommon
Do ll's Aforia 3"

Afo ri a circinata Doll
Japan; common offshore
TURRIDS 1 27
head
tentacle
foot
living Paper B u b b l e P a p e r B u b b l e 2"; Hydatina

physis l. Indo-Pacific
B U B B L E S H E LLS (order Tecti branchia) have external,

plume-like gills and both sexes present i n the same i ndivid
ual . Some have internal shells, but those of the bubble
shell family (Bullidae) are external, large, and spacious.
Bubble shells, mostly tropical, are carnivorous. They lay
eggs in long, gelatinous strands.
Atl a n t i c B u l l a 1 1/2' White-banded B u b b l e 1 "

Bulla striata Bruguiere Hydotino a/bocincta H oeven
West I ndies; abundant Japan; uncommon
Ampl ustre Bubble 1 1/2' Pacific Bubble 2"

Aplustrum amplustre Linne B ulla ampulla Linne
Indo-Pacific; uncommon Indo-Pacifi c ; abundant
1 28 B U B B L E S H E LLS
TH E B I VALV E S
The pelecypods, or lamellibranchs, the second largest class

of mollusks, contain about l 0,000 species of bi
valves, including the clams, mussels, oysters and scallops.
About one third live in fresh water; the others are marine .
They lack a head and radular teeth. Feeding is aided by
the gills, and most species live on m icroscopic plant life.
The mantle is modified at the posterior end into two tubular
si phons which draw and expel water from the mantle cav
ity. The two shells (valves) are kept closed by strong ad
ductor muscles, and kept slightly open by the action of an
elastic, horny pad or ridge-the ligament. Most bi
valves shed their eggs directly into the water, but a few
brood the young in gill pouches. The sexes may be com
bined in one individual or may be separate.
Oysters, clams and scallops are a major source of food.
From oysters come valuable pearls. The Teredo Shipworm,
a bivalve, is destructive to wharf pilings.
d igestive gland
anterior
end
shell mantle edge
THE B I VA LV E S 1 29
ARK S HELLS (Arc idae) have a long series of sma l l , s i m i l a r
teeth on t h e h i nge . They have no siphons and most are
anchored by a byssus of hai r l ike threads . Of 200 species
(24 American) most are tropica l ; many are gathered com
mercially for food .
West I n d i a n Tu rkey W i n g 3"

Area zebra Swa inson
Carolina to W. Indies
and Bermuda
PEN S H E LLS ( P i n n idae), large and fragile,

l ive buried i n soft sand anchored by a silky
byssus . Ancients made a "golden fleece" from
the byssal th reads of Giant Med i terra nean
Pen, Pinna nobilis Linne, 1 4" (front) . The black
shell (back) i s the American Stiff Pen She l l ,
Atrina rigida lightfoot, 7 "
1 30 A R K A N D P E N S H E LLS
W I N G OYST E R S (Pteriidae), edible but unpalata ble, sel
dom produce precious pearls. Tropical species, with pearly
interiors and long, winglike projections of the hinge, have
fragile shells. Wing oysters attach themselves to the ocean
bottom and to wharf pilings .
G i a n t W i n g Oyster 7"
Pteria penguin Roding
Indo- Pacific; moderately common
�
PEARL OYSTE RS, s i x tropical species,

l ive on rocky ocean botto m s . Layers of
calcium carbonate around a foreign
body i n the mantle make pea r l s . Most
productive are the Black-lipped, above
(Pinctada margaritifera Linne, S. E .
Asia, 6") and Japanese, right (P. mar
tensii Dunker, 3").
W I N G AND P E A R L OYS T E R S 131

H AMMER OYSTERS
(lsognomonidae)
side view
� Flat Tree Oyster 3"

ls ogn o m o n olatus Gmelin
F lorida and W. Indies; common
Lives i n lower mangrove branches
Common H a m m e r Oyster 4-6"

Malleus malleus Linne
� White H a m m e r Oyster 4-7"

Malleus albus Lamarck
Indo-Pacifi c . Shallow water;
anchors to bottom; common
1 3 2 H AMM E R OYST E R S
MUSSELS (Mytilidae) are the most abundant of all mol
lusks. They occur in dense colonies on rocky shores and
wharf pilings. Mussels protect and feed many kinds of
snails, worms, and crabs. FIL E CLAMS (limidae) swim away
from predators by flappi ng their shells and tentacles . Some
file clams build nests for protection.
At lantic R i b bed Mussel 3-4"

Geukensio dem issa D i l lwyn
lives i n marsh peat
Canada to Texas
Blue Edible Mussel 2-3"

M ytilus edulis Linne
lives on rocky coasts
Europe and N . E . America
Rough File C l a m 2-4"

Lima scabra Born
Florida ond W. Indies
living c l o m ot left
M U S S E LS A N D LIMA 1 33
SCALLO P S (Pectinidae) are a worldwide group of several
hundred speci-es, including several large nor thern kinds
fished commercially for the l a rge single muscle, which is
excellent eating. By snapping their shells together, scallops
propel themselves rapidly i n a zigzag di rection. Most kinds
have a series of brightly colored eyes along the edge of
the mantle. These are sensitive to minor changes in l igbt
intensity, as might be caused by a passing fish. What
appear to be the top and bottom valves of the scallop are
actually left and right valves. The left (lower) valve is
usually more convex.
edge view of mantle, showing eyes
1 34 SCALLOPS
JAPANESE SCALLOPS. These two deep-water species
show an unusual range of pastel color variations.
Top Row, Swift's Scallop 3-5" Chlamys swifti Bernardi

Bottom Rowo Noble Scallop 3-5" Chlamys nobilis Reeve
SCALLOPS 135
EASTERN AMERICAN SCALLOPS are found from Labra
dor to the West Indies. The Calico Scallop, used in shell
jewelry, is abundant offshore in south Florida. Lion's Paw,
a strong heavy shell, is a collector's favorite. Atlantic Deep
Sea and Atlantic Bay Scallops, both common on the East
Coast, are popular seafood.
Lion's Paw 3-5"

Lyropecten nodosus Linne
Florida-W. Indies
Calico Scallop 1-2"

Argopecten gibbus Linne
S.E. U.S.-Caribbean
Atlantic Deep Sea Scallop 8"

Placopecten magellanicus Gmelin
Labrador-Carolinas
Commonly dredged for food purposes
Atlantic Bay Scallop 4"
Argopecten irradians lamarck
Eastern United States; abundant
I N D O - PAC I F I C S C ALLOPS do not compare with other
famous shells of this region. Most unusual is large Asian
Moon Scallop with bottom valve white, top valve colored.
Leopard Scallop 3 "

Annachlamys leopardus Reeve
Northern Austra l i a ; uncommon
Mantle Sca l l o p 3"

Gloripa llium p a llium Linne
Asian Moon Sca l l o p 4-5" ....

Amusium pleuronectes l.
S . E . Asia
Deep water; common
Folded Sca l l o p 2"

Decatopecten plica Linne
S . E . Asia
S CALLOPS 1 37
T H O R N Y OY ST E R Sa re not related to true oysters. The
h uge H innites of western American waters is i n the scallop
fa m ily a nd may weigh up to 20 l bs. The thorny oysters of
the fa m ily Spondylidae have a typical ball-and-socket
G i a n t Rock Sca l l o p 4-8"

Hinnites gigantea Gray
Alaska Ia Mexico
young farm
Atlantic Thorny Oyster 6" Spandylus americanus Hermann

F l orida and Cari bbea n ; twa calor forms shown below
1 38 T H O R N Y OYST E R S
hinge joint and develop long spines. They occur in deep
water, usually in the tropics, and have a r ich, varied color
pattern. These fairly common bivalves are sometimes called
chrysanthemum shells .
Regal Thorny Oyster S-8"

Spondylus regius Linne
S . E . Asia; uncommon
Common
1 39
Giant Clam 2-4 ft. Tridacna squamosa Lamarck
Tridacna gigas Linne Indo-Pacific
I ndo-Pacifi c
G I A N T C LAM (Tridacnidae) is the largest shelled mollusk,

exceeded only by the 55-ft. Giant Sq uid of the North
Atlantic. It is not a man-eating clam . The Giant Clam of
Indo-Pacific coral reefs feeds on colonies of marine algae
which grow in its fleshy mantle. A non-precious pearl the
s i ze of a golf ball may be produced .
1 40 G I A N T C LAMS
J EW E L B O X E S {Chamidae), about 20 species of them,
live attached to rocks and wrecks. These tropical shells are
variable in form and brilliantly colored.
Lazarus Jewel Box 4" Leafy Jewel Box 3"

Chama lazarus L i n ne Chama maceraphylla Gmelin
Indo- Pacific F lorida and Caribbean
{Carditidae), also from tropical waters, are

CA R D I TAS
long and radially ribbed. They are common clams of shal
low, muddy bays. About 30 species have been recorded.
Rosy Card ita 2" Broad-ri bbed C a rd ita 1 - 1 '/2'

Cardita crassicosta Lamarck Cardita floridana Conrad
Austra l i a ; uncommon Florida; abundant
{ lucinidae) are worldwide tropical clams with
LU C I N E S
strong, thin shells and long anterior muscle scars. The two
siphons are very short; the hinge may be well toothed or
toothless. Most of the 200 species are eaten by fishes but
a few are used as food by man. The Elegant Fimbria is a
delicately formed and tinted relative.
Th i c k Lucine 2"
Phacoides pecfinata Gmelin
F l a . to Caribbean ; common
Butterc u p Lucine 2" Pennsylva n i a Lucine 2"

Anodontia alba link Lucina pensylvanico Linne
S . E . U . S . -Cori bbeon ; abundant S . E . U . S . -Cari bbea n ; common
Pacific T i g e r Lucine 5" Punctate Lucine 3"
Codakia tigerina L i nne Codakia punctata Linne
Indo-Pacifi c ; abundant Indo-Pacific; common
LU C I N E S 1 43
inhalant si phon
foot
E u ropean Cockle 2"

Cerastoderma edule Linne
Western E urope; edible enlarged
C O C K L E S (Cardiidae) are a large group of colorful spe

cies which demonstrate an evol utionary explosion, the
result of which is an array of bi zarre shapes showing all
degrees of sculpturing . Some species are copious and
ribbed; others are compressed. Cockles are active ani
mals . They can jump several inches b y means o f a long,
powerful foot. A current of water entering through the
inhalant siphon brings food and a supply of oxygen. Cock
les are a food for fishes as well as for man .
Cardium costatum Linne

West Africa; common
1 44 COCKLES
Pri ckly Cockle 2"
Trachycardium egmontianum Shutt. Lyrate Cockle 2"
S . E . U . S . ; common in sand D iscors lyrata Sowerby
Sometimes pure white (albinistic) S . E . Asia; uncommon
Heart Cockle 3"

Corculum cardissa Linne
Oblong Cockle 2"

Laevicordium oblongum
Gmelin
E urope; uncommon
H a lf-heart Cockle 1 '/•"

Hemicardium hemicardium Linne
Indo-Pacific; uncommon •
COCKLES 1 45
D ETAILS OF H I N G E
\ \exha lant siphon

inhalant s i phon
foot
E u ropean Ven u s 3"

Venus verrucosus Linne
E u rope
Roya l Comb Ven u s 2" H a rd Shell or Q u a hog 3"

Pilar diane Linne Mercenoria mercenaria Linne
Tex . to Carib . ; uncommon Eastern U . S . ; edible
V E N U S C LAMS (Veneridae) are probably the most suc

cessful of all the clams . Over 400 abundant species occur
the world over. All have hinges which bear interlocking
lateral and cardinal teeth . The well-developed foot is
compressed and hatchet-shaped. American Indians once
manufactured their wampum from the Quahog, the chief
com mercial clam of east coastal U.S. Young Q uahogs are
known as cherrystones and littlenecks. The Philippines have
over one hundred varieties of venus clams .
1 46 V E N U S C LAMS
C a l i co C l a m 2" Pismo C l a m 5"
Macrocallista maculata Linne Tivela stultorum Mawe
Carolinas to Caribbean Calif. to Mexico
I ntroduced to Bermuda Abundant
Abundant
King Venus 1 1/2' ...

Chione paphia Linne
West Indies; uncommon
S u n ray Venus 5"

Macrocallista nimbosa Lightfoot
S . E . Un i ted States; common
V E N U S C LAMS 1 47
INDO-PACIF IC VENUS CL AM S
Wedd i n g C a k e Ven u s 2 '1." la m e l l ate Venus 2"

Callanaitis disiecta Perry Antigana lame/loris Schumacher
Austra lia; uncommon Indo-Pacific; common
Golden Venus 3" Squa mose Ven u s 1"

Paphia euglypta Philippi Anomalodiscus squomosus L .
East Asia; uncommon S . E . A s i a ; common
exterior
� lettered Ven u s 3"

Tapes literata Linne
1 48 V E N U S C LAMS
TELLI N S (Te l linidae) are a large, mainly tropical family of
sand-dwelling clams with elongate fragile shel l s and two
long, separate siphons . Over 200 species; most are shiny
and delicately tinted. The Sunri se Tel lin is used in she l l
jewel ry manufacture.
Candy Stick Ye l l i n 1 "
Tel/ina sim i/is Sowerby foot
F l a . -Caribbean ; abundant
Hatchet Ye l l i n 1"
Tel/ina donacina Linne
Med iterranean
....
S u n rise Ye l l i n 3"
Tel/ina radiate Linne
Fla. and West Indies
Abundant in sand
V i rgate Ye l l i n 2 '/2'
Tel/ina virgata Li nne
....
Rostrate Ye l l i n 3''
Tel/ina rostrata L i n ne
S. E . Asi a ; rare
T E LL I N S 1 49
Burnett's Te l l idora 1 '/,'' Large Stri g i l l a 1"
Tellidora burnetti Broderip Strigilla carnaria Linne
West Mexico; uncommon S . E . U . S . -Cari bbean
At lantic Grooved Macoma 3" Bru g u i e re's Macoma 2"

Psammotreta intastriata Say Macoma bruguierei Hanley
F lorida-Caribbean P h i l i ppines; uncommon
Close relatives of the true tellins (Tel/ina) are the strigillas

of shallow, sandy bottoms. The shells are finely sculptured.
The macomas are twisted toward the back and the hinge
lacks the lateral teeth.
1 50 T E LLI N S A N D MACOMAS
S U R F C LAMS (Mactridae) i n c l ude many large edi ble clams
with a spoon-shaped depression on the h i nge. The Atlantic
Surf Clam , common on sandy beaches, is the source of
commercial clam chowder. The duck clams, Raeta, of warm
waters, have th i n , fragile she l l s.
Hians S u rf C l a m 3"
Oblong S u rf C l a m 5 " Moctro hians Philippi
Lutroria o bl o ng a Gmelin S . E . Asia; common
Western E urope 'Y
C h a n neled D u c k Clam 3"

Raeta p licatella Lamarck
Carolinas to Carib. ; common
S U R F C LAMS 151
SA N G U I N C LAMS (Psammobiidae), of tropical, sha l low,
m uddy waters, are closely related to the tel lin shells. The
th in, nearly transparent shells are drab in color with purple
and browns predominating. About 100 species are known,
many edible.
Violet S a ng u i n 2"
Soletellina violacea lomorck
East Indies; common
N u t t a l l's Mahogany Clam 3"

<1111 Sanguinolaria nuttal/i Conrad
Cal ifornia to Mexico; common
Mediterranean Solecurtus 3"

Solecurtus strigilatus Linne
Mediterranean ; uncommon
Opercul ate Sang u i n 2"

Sanguinolaria cruenta lightfoot
Caribbean-Brazil
Note that one va lve i s
flatter t h a n the other.
Calor often rose.
1 52 S A N G U I N C LAMS
"-'
The Gaudy Asa phis, Asaphis deflorata Linne, shown above, is a colorful
3 - i n . sanguin clam from the Caribbea n . It is common i n the intertidal
zone i n grave l . Colors may be rose, wh ite or purple.
W E D G E C L AMS (Donacidae) are small, wedge-shaped

clams found in the sand of nearly every temperate and
tropical beach. Most of the 50 species are edible. The
Atlantic Coquina is also known as the Butterfly Shell.
Atlantic Coq u i n a 1/2"
Donax variabilis Say
S . E . U . S . ; makes good soup
G i a n t South African Wedg e 3"

Oonax serra Gmelin
South Africa; common
Cal iforn i a n Wedge 1"

Donax californicus Conrad
California to Panama
1 53
JACKKN I F E C LAMS (Solenidae) a re the true razor shells
which dig a foot or more i nto sandy beaches with the i r
curved, powerful foot. T h e A t l a n t i c Jackkn ife is t h e l a rgest
and most com mon on the eastern Atlantic coast . It and
Pacific species a re harvested commercially. About 40 spe
c ies a re know n . In the genus So/en the hi nge teeth a re at
the very end of the shell; in Ensis they a re a bit forwa rd .
G i a n t Japa nese Solen 5" Goul d's Solen 5"

Solen grandi s D unker Solen gouldi Conrad
Eastern Asia Eastern Asia T
Atlantic Jackkn ife C l a m 6-7"

Ensis directus Conrad
Labrador-Carolinas
Rose-spotted Solen 2" P h i l i ppi's Razor 2"

Solen roseomaculatus P i l sbry Ensiculus philippianus Dunker
Japan S . E . Asia; uncommon
T
1 54 J A C K K N I F E C LAMS
S H I PWO RMS (Teredinidae) are highly spec iali zed mol
l usks. The adu l t i s a destructive wood borer, honeycombing
wooden s h i ps and p i l ings with burrows cut by the smal l
sharp-edged she l l s. The mantle secretes lime to l i ne the
tube, and two paddle-shaped pal lets regulate the si phon
openings. The Watering Pot (Ciavagellidae) buries its shelly
tube in the m ud or sand. lower end i s perforated.
.... Watering Pot 5"

Penicillus penis Linne
Indo-Pacific; uncommon
Common S h i pworm 1/2-2 ft.

Teredo navalis Linne �
Coastal N . A . , E u rope, Afr i ca
,
shell valve \12- 1 "
WAT E R I N G POT A N D S H I PWO RMS 1 55

Class Cephalopoda, the
A R G O N A UTS A N D N A U T I LU S ,
most highly developed mollusks, also include the octopus
and squid. Cephalopoda have heads with eight or more
tentacles and highly developed eyes. The sexes are sepa
rate. All are carnivorous and most lack shells. The female
Paper Nautilus secretes a shell with a specialized arm to
"shell" of fema l e
tenta c le
r /
mouth
Common Paper N a u t i l u s 6- 1 2" .,

Argonauta argo Linne
a male Argonaut Worldwide, warm seas
Brown Paper N a u t i l u s 3" Nodose Paper N a u t i l u s 5"

Argonauta hians lightfoot Argonauta nodosa lightfoot
Worldwide, warm seas Worldwide, warm seas
1 56 ARGONAUTS
protect her eggs. The smaller male makes no shell . The
Chambered, or Pearly, Nautilus lives in tropical deep
water, swimming i n search of crabs and shellfish . Sur
rounding the mouth are 60-90 small tentacles . The sealed-·
off, gas-filled chambers serve as a balancing apparatus. I t
is most abundant i n the central Phili ppi nes .
cross section
C h a m bered N a u t i l u s 4-8"
Nautilus pampilius Linne
W. Pacific ocean bottoms
I
lost body chamber
End views of the Cham-

bered N a u t i l u s . The fe
male below i s narrower
than the male seen a bove .
C H AM B E R E D N A U T I LU S 1 57
I NDEX
Because this book deals with 200 genera i nvolving over
1, 100 scientific and popular species names, t h i s index has
been condensed to aid the reader in locat i ng the fami l ies
and genera i n wh ich the i l l ustrated species occur.
Abalones, 1 4 , 24-25 Bubble She l l s , 1 28 30

Citto r i u m ,
13
Abyssal m o l l u s k s , Bucci n u m , 81 Clams, 1 2 , 1 5 , 1 40,
S'
Afor i o , 1 27 B u l l Mouth H e l m e t , 65 1 46- 1 48 , 1 5 1 ,
A l c i thoe, 1 0 1 Bulla, 1 28 1 52 , 1 53 , 1 54
ii)
"' A m o r i o , 1 04 Bursa, 67 Clanculus, 28
� A m u s i u m , 1 37
"' w Busycon , 87 Classes of m o l l u s k s , 3
� Anato my, Gastropod , Buttercup L u c i n e , 1 42 C l ovagel l idae, 1 55
;:::
z
22 Butterfl y S he l l , 1 53 C l avus, 1 26
w Bivalve, 1 29 Cockles, 1 44- 1 45
co u
0 Anc i l l a , 88 Calico Clam, 1 47 Cada k i a , 1 43
z Anga r i a , 35 C a l i c o Sca l l o p , 1 36 Col lecting she l l s , 9
<
Annachlamys, 1 37 C a l iforn i a n Prov i n c e , Colubrorio, 83
Anodo n t i a , 1 42 14 Conchalepos, 78
Anomo l od i s c u s , 1 48 Collonoitis, 1 48 Conchs, 1 6, 1 9, 42-45,
Antigone, 1 48 C o l l i osto m o , 31 46-47, 84, 85
Anti p l a n e s , 1 27 C a n ce l l a r i a , 1 4 , 1 06 Cone Shells, 2 1 ,
A p l u s tr u m , 1 2 8 C o p She l l s , 4 1 1 08- 1 9
w Aporrha i s , 20 Corditas, 1 4 1 Coqu i n a , 1 53
< Area zebra, 1 30 C a r d i u m costa t u m , 1 44 Coral Sna i l s , 80
u
"' "' Architecton i c a , 38 C a r i bbean Prov i n c e , Coro l l i o p h i l o , 80
�
z A r g o n a u t s , 1 56 19 Corcu l u m , 1 45
ii Argopecte n , 1 36 Carrier She l l s , 2, 48 Cowrie-helmet, 65
:::>
"' Ark She l l s , 1 30 Cosmorio, 65 Cowries, 1 2 , 1 7, 20, 2 1 ,
<
..., w
�
Asoph i s , 1 53 Cassis, 63 5 1 -62
Astroea , 33 Cot's eye , 32 Crossispiro, 1 26
Atr i n o , 1 30 Cera stod e r m o , 1 44 Crepidulo, 4 1
Auger She l l s , 1 20- 1 25 Ceriths, 39 Crown Conch, 84
A u l i c o , 98 Choma, 1 2, 1 4 1 Cruc i b u l u m , 4 1
C h a m bered N a u t i l u s , Cup-and-Sa ucer
B a by l o n i a , 2 1 , 83 1 57 41
She l l s ,
Baler She l l s , 1 02 C h o n k She l l s , 91 Cymot i u m , 69
Barnacle Rock She l l , Charon i o , 68 Cym b i u m , 1 02- 1 03
78 C h i one, 1 47 Cyproeo, 5 1 -62
Biplex, 67 C h i tons, 3, 7 Cyproecossis, 65
Bivalves, 1 29- 1 55 C h l a mys, 1 35
B l ee d i n g Too t h , 36 C h l orosto m a , 29 Decatopecten , 1 37
Bonnets, 64-65 C h rysanthem u m s , De l p h i n u l a S na i l ,35
Books on shells, 1 1 1 3 8- 1 39 D i sc o r s , 1 45
1 58 IN DEX
D i stribution of s he l l s Hard Shell Clam, 1 46 Ma l e c , 1 8 , 70
geogra p h i ca l , 1 4- 2 1 Harpa, 1, 1 2 Malleus, 1 32
with depth, 13 H a r pu l i n a , 1 0 1 "Man-eat i n g " C l a m ,
w i t h temperature, 12 Hat She l l s , 4 1 1 40
Dogwi n k l e , 1 4 , 79 Heart C o c k l e , 1 45 Marg i n S he l l s , 1 07
Drupa, 79 Heliacus, 38 Marg i n e l l a , 1 07
Drupe Sna i l s , 79 H e l met She l l s , 20, 63, M a r l i n s p i k e , 1 20
Duck C l a m , 151 65, 66 Maurea, 3 1
Dwa rf O l ive, P u r p l e , H e m i c a rd i u m , 1 45 Med i terranean
14 H i nge of c l a m , 1 46 Province, 20
Dye Murex, 73 H o r s e C o n c h , 85 Melon She l l s , 1 02
H yd a t i n a , 1 28 Me l o n g e n a , 84
E l ephant's S n o u t , 1 03 M i r a c u l o u s Thatche r i a ,
Ensiculus, 1 54 l m br i c o r i a , 96 2 1 ' 1 27
Ensis, 1 54 I m pe r i a l Harp, 1 Miter She l l s , 92-96
40
E p i t on i u m , Indo-Pacific Province, Mitridae, 92-96
Ericusa, 1 0 1 16 Monoplacophora, 3
Eupleura, 1 5 lsognomon, 1 32 Moon S n a i l s , 1 5 ,
49-50
Fam i l ies of bivalves, 6 J a c k k n ife C l a m s , 1 54 Maru m , 66
of sna i l s , 4-5 Japalion, 82 Murex S he l l s , 1 8 , 20,
Fasc i o l a r i a , 85 J a panese P r o v i n c e , 21 7 1 -76
Ficus, 70 J ewel Boxes, 141 M u s i c Vo l u t e , 97
Fig She l l s , 70 Junonia, 99 Musse l s , 1 33
F i l e C l a m , 1 33 Myt i l u s , 1 33
F i m b r i a , 1 43 Keyhole l i mpets, 27
F r o g She l l s , 67 Nasso, 79
Fulgar Whe l k s , 87 laevicard i u m , 1 45 Natica, 50
Fulgoraria, 1 00 lambis, 46-47 N a u t i l u s , 1 57
Fusinus, 86 latiaxis, 77 N e p t u n e , 1 5, 8 1
l i g h t n i n g Whe l k , 87 Neptunea, 1 5 , 8 1
Gal eodea , 66 lima, 1 33 N e r i t e s , 36
Gastropod a natomy, l i m pets, 2 1 , 26-27 N ucel l a , 79
22 l i on's Paw, 1 36 N utmegs, 1 4 , 1 06
Gaudy Asa p h i s , 1 53 l i t toral m o l l u s k s , 1 3
Goza, 30 l i t tori n a , 1 5 , 37 O l ivonc i l l a r i a , 88
Geuken s i a , 1 33 livo n i a , 1 02 O l ive S he l l s , 1 4, 1 8 ,
Giant C l a m s , 1 40 l u c i n e s , 1 42- 1 43 88-89
Giant S q u i d , 1 40 l u n a t i c , 49 14
O l i ve l l a ,
G l o r i pa l l i u m , 1 3 7 lutra r i a , 1 5 1 Oyster D r i l l , 15
Golden Cowrie, 62 lyr i c , 1 05 Oysters, 1 3 1 , 1 32,
G u i lford i a , 33 lyropecten , 1 36 1 38 - 1 39
Gyrineum, 67
Macoma , 1 50 P a n a m i c Prov i n c e , 18
69
H a i r y Tr i t o n s , Macroco l l i sto, 1 47 Paper N a u t i l u s , 1 56
Haliotis, 24-25 Mactra, 151 Paphia, 1 48
Hammer Oyster, 1 32 Mog i l u s , 80 P a r t r idge Tun , 70
IN DEX 1 59
21
Pate l l a , Sconsi a , 66 lonna, 70
1 3 1 , 1 40
Pea r l s , Scorpion Conch, 47 Top She l l s , 28-3 1
Pecten, 20 Scotch Bonnet, 64 Trachycard i u m , 1 45
Pectinidae, 1 34- 1 37 Scutus, 26 Tree Oyster, 1 32
Pelagic mollusks, 1 3 Shark Eye, 49 Tridacna, 1 40
Pelican's Foot, 20 Shield limpet, 26 Tritons, 68, 69
Pen Shells, 1 30 Shipworms, 1 55 False, 83
Pen i c i l l us, 1 55 Si phon a l i a , 83 Trochita, 4 1
Pen i o n , 82 Sl i pper She l l s , 4 1 Trochus, 28-29
,. Periwinkles, 1 5 , 37 Slit Shells, 2 I , 2 3 Tu l i p She l l s , 85
Phacoides, 1 42 Smaragd ia, 3 6 Tun She l l s , 1 8, 70
Pha l i u m , 64 Solecurtus, 1 52 Turbans, 32, 34-35
Phasiane l l a , 33 Solen, 1 54 Turbinel l a , 91
Pheasant She l l , 33 Solete l l i n a , 1 52 Turbo, 32, 34-35
P h o s , 83 South African Turkey Wing, 1 30
Pi nctada, 1 3 1 Province, 21 Turrid Shells, 1 26- 1 27
Pinna, 1 30 Spergo, 1 26 Turris, 1 26
� Pismo C l a m , 1 47 Spider Conchs, 46-47 Turrite l l a , 37
M :::l Pilar, 1 46 Spindle She l l s , 86 Tusk She l l s , 3, 7
0 P lacopecten, 1 36 Spondylus, 1 38- 1 39 Tympanotomus, 39
:f Pleuroploca, 85 Star She l l s , 33 Tyrian Purple Dye, 73
� Pieurotomaria, 23 Stellaria, 48
� Polir.ices, 49 Strig i l l a , 1 50 Umbon i u m , 28
� Precious Wentletrap, Strombina, 1 8
Varicospira, 48
c:> 40 Strombus, 42-45
1 07 Sund i a l s , 38
Vase She l l s , 90
z Prunum,
� Psammotreta , 1 50 Sunrise. Tel l i n , 1 49
Vasidae, 90
.... � Pter i a , 1 3 1 Surf Clams, 1 5 1
Venomous Cones, 1 08
� Pteryg ia, 96 Swa insonia, 96
Venus Comb Murex,
Purpura, 1 9, 78 Syrinx, 84
71
Verm icularia, 38
Quahog , 1 46 Tapes, 1 48 94
Vexi l l u m ,
Vol utes, 1 7, 97- 1 05
Queen Teg u l a , 30 Tectarius, 37
Vol utoconus, 1 04
Tectibranch i a , 1 28
Vol utocorbis, 1 05
Raeta , 151 Tectus, 29
Rapa , BO Teg u l a , 30
Watering Pot, 1 55
Razor Clams, 1 54 Tel l idora, 1 50
Wedge C l a m s , 1 53
Rhi noclavi s, 39 Tel l i n s , 1 9, 1 49- 1 50
Wentletraps, 40
Rock She l l s (Thais), 78 Teramachia, 1 00
Whelks, 1 2 , 1 8 , 8 1 -83, 87
Royal Comb Venus, Terebra, 1 20- 1 25
Wing Oysters, 1 3 1
1 46 Terebralia, 39
Wood Borers, 1 55
Tered o , 1 55
Wood louse Morum, 66
Sang u i n C lams, 1 52 Thais, 78-79
Wormshells, 38
Sanguinolaria, 1 52 Thatcheria, 2 1 , 1 27
Sca l lops, 1 4, 20, Thorny Oysters, 1 38 Xenophora, 2 , 48
1 34- 1 38 Tibia, 48
Scaphe l l a , 99 Tivela, 1 47 Zidona, 1 05
1 60 I N DEX 0 P Q R
\!) \
�EASHELLS OF THE WORLD
/ A GOLDEN GUIDE®
, R. TUCKER ABBOTT, Ph . D. , author of several ou tstand

\ing books on shells, has been on the staff of the Smithson-
� n Institution and other museums specializing in mol
lusks . He taught malacology at the University of Delaware,
and is now president of American Ma lacologists, Inc . , a
p ublishing a nd consulting firm . He has produced guides
to shellfish and medically important mollusks for the
United Nations a nd Harvard University, respectively.
HERBERT S. ZIM, Ph . D. , Sc. D. , an originator a nd former

editor of the Golden Guides Series, was also a n author for
many years . Author of some ninety books a nd editor of
about as many, he is now Adjunct Professor a t the Uni
versity of Miami and Educational Consultan t to the Amer·
ican Friends Service Committee and other organizations .
He works on educational, population and environmental
problem s .
GEORGE F . SANDSTROM, a well-known artist in the

field of natural history, has contributed to many encyclo
pedias, educational books, and magazines, and has illus
trated a number of popular Golden Books .
MARITA SANDSTROM has won top awards for scien

tific illustratio n . She has an active interest in science a nd
technology, and has illustrated in the field of clinica l pho
tomicrography of the cornea .
GOLDEN PRESS • NEW YORK

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.------.....-- ---.,-; ?

BIRDS • BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS

DINOSAURS • FISHES • FISHING • FLOWERS

FOSSILS • GEOLOGY • INDIAN ARTS

INSECT PESTS • INSECTS • MAMMALS • PLANETS

POND LIFE • REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

ROCKS AND MINERALS

SEASHELLS OF THE WORLD

SEASHORES • SKY OBSERVER'S GUIDE

SPIDERS AND THEIR KIN • STARS • TREES

TROPICAL FISH • VENOMOUS ANIMALS

WHALES AND OTHER MARINE MAMMALS

GOLDEN FIELD GUIDES

BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA

REPTILES OF NORTH AMERICA

ROCKS AND MINERALS

SEASHELLS OF NORTH AMERICA

TREES OF NORTH AMERICA

WILDFLOWERS OF NORTH AMERICA

Golden"', A Golden Guide"', and Golden Press"'

Under the editorship of

Imperial Harp 3"

� GOLDEN PRESS • NEW YORK

Shells occupy a unique place in the natural world. No

Carrier Shell ( Xenophora)

�����i4�� g�g69 ��':no �

All seashells have soft bodies. The th in, fleshy mantle

Marine Fresh-water Land

SNAILS, ar gastropods, have a single shell, usually coiled. They have a

B IVA LV E S , or pelecypods, are

T U S K S H E LLS (about 300 marine

MONOPLAC O P H O RA, until re­

MAJ OR GROUPS OF MARINE SNAILS

MAJOR GROUPS 0 MARINE BIVALVES

are a group of flattened mollusks, some worm ­

West In d i a n Ch iton 2-3"

T U S K S H E L LS,or scaphopods, are tooth-shaped shel l s

A well-arranged , orderly col lection of she lls has many

A wooden cabinet (4 ft. high, 3 ft. deep and 2'12

Boxes made of cardboard of uni­

Although the seas , which cover 72 percent o f the earth's

T H E LITTO RAL WO RLD

THE ABYSSAL WO RLD

Purple Dwarf O l ive

Haliotis Aba l o nes

14 CALIF ORNIAN PROVINCE

Sha rk-eye Moon S n a i l

THE RED SEA i s an isolated, warm-water

... Tridocna ""­

AUSTRALIA i s, along its tropical northern

THE HAWAIIA N C HA IN of vol can ic i s­

THE PHILIPPI N E S, consisting of thou­

SOUTH AF RICAN PROVINCE

GAS T R O P O D S, or un iva lves , s i ngle-she l l ed mollusks, in­

The operc u l u m o f the slit shells i s

This relatively small

Ada n son's S l i t S h e l l S-6" Beyrich's S l i t S h e l l 4"

Red Aba lone 1 0- 1 2"

��i4�� g�g69 ��':no �

MONOPLAC O P H O RA, until re

are a group of flattened mollusks, some worm

Boxes made of cardboard of uni

... Tridocna ""

THE HAWAIIA N C HA IN of vol can ic i s

THE PHILIPPI N E S, consisting of thou

GAS T R O P O D S, or un iva lves , s i ngle-she l l ed mollusks, in

Delph i n u l a S n q i l from the I ndo

Lac i n iated Conch is an uncom

Shell of moon snoil is en

MO O N S N A I L S a r e f o u n d o n mea t . Their foot i s large and cov

COW R I E S , with glossy, c h i na- l i ke shel l s , attracted primi