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Sea Shells and Sealife
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Sea Shells
{ 139 images }
Created 17 Apr 2012
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Tiger Nautilus sea shell on the beac...tif
Melon Sea Shell on the Beach.tif
Three Pearled Nautilus Sea Shells on...tif
Conch sea shell on beach-122.tif
Queen Conch Sea Shell on the Beach-1...tif
Ruffled Clam Sea Shells pair on bea...tif
Large paper nautilus sea shell near ...tif
Split Nautilus Sea Shell on the Beac...tif
Tonna Sea Shell on the Beach-147.tif
Pearled Nautilus on the Beach-109.tif
Vertical Queen Conch Sea Shell on th...tif
Queen Conch Sea Shell with beach and...tif
Scotch Bonett sea shell on sand dune...tif
white winged murex sea shell on the ...tif
Purple Pecten Scallop Sea Shells-128.tif
Sand Dolaar On Crushed Shell Beach.jpg
Three Sand Dollars.jpg
Notched Sand Dollar.jpg
Sand dollar set in beach ripples-144.tif
Sand Dollars On Beach.jpg
Two Sand Dollars on the Beach.jpg
Sand Dollar Starfish And Shell.jpg
Two Whole Sand Dollars.jpg
Two Sand Dollars.jpg
A Sand dollar-162.jpg
Notched Sand Dollar In Wet Sand.jpg
Notched Sand Dollar In Wet Sand brig...jpg
Sand Dollar With Sunset.jpg
Pink Conch On Beach.jpg
Pink Conch In Florida.jpg
Pink Conch Under Water.jpg
Conch Seashell vertical-145.tif
Pink Conch.jpg
Conch in Surf-133.jpg
Conch In Wave.tif
Pink Conch In Shalow Water.jpg
Larger Triton In Water.jpg
Chambered Nautilus In Water.jpg
Chambered Nautilus Sitting Up On Sho...jpg
Three Nautilus horizontal on Sand Du...jpg
Chambered Nautilus.jpg
Chambered Nautilus With Its Prints.jpg
paper nautilus on side.jpg
106-nautilus on side.jpg
Two Chambered Nautilus Together.jpg
Two Chambered Nautilus Together on B...jpg
Two Chambered Nautilus Front And Bac...jpg
Paper Navtilus Standing Up.jpg
Paper Nautilus on Beach.jpg
Paper Navtilus On Side.jpg
Paper Nautilus.jpg
paper nautilus on side-surf.jpg
Spider Conch Ocean Surf.jpg
Spider Conch On Land.jpg
Spider Conch.jpg
Cabrits Murex.jpg
Cabrits Murex.jpg
Cabrits Murex.jpg
Cabrits Murex.jpg
Cabrits Murex.jpg
Pink Murex in surf-148.jpg
Murex Indivia.jpg
Lace Murex In Sand Dune With Flowers.jpg
Pimc Murex White Shell On Beach.jpg
Pimc Murex White Shell.jpg
Whelk With Hermit Upside Down.jpg
Left-handed Whelk With Hermit Crab.jpg
Left-handed Whelk With Hermit Crab I...jpg
Left Handed Welk Sunset.jpg
Left Handed Whelk in Tidal Water.jpg
Lightning Whelk In Water.jpg
Left Handed Whelk2.jpg
Left Handed Whelk.jpg
Large Triton Sea Shell Standing Stra...tif
Melon Shell Laying Down.jpg
Close Up Melon Shell Standing Up.jpg
Melon Shell Laying Down.jpg
Stellaria Solaris Sun Carrier
Stellaria Solaris Sun Carrier Shell ...jpg
Stellaria Solaris Sun Carrier Shell ...jpg
Stellaria Solaris Sun Carrier.jpg
Shell Under Shallow Water.jpg
Thorny Oyster.jpg
Thorny Oyster.jpg
Green Sea Urchin on Natural Sponge.jpg
Spiney Oyester Shell with Natural Sp...jpg
Genus Tibia-Strombidea fe.jpg
Wintletrap Sea Shell on crushed shel...jpg
Three Wintletrap Sea Shells on crush...jpg
Wentletrap-LLamellose Shells.jpg
Two Wentletrap-Lamellose.jpg
Two Wentletrap-Lamellose In Sand.jpg
Ruffled Or Fluted Clam.jpg
Ruffled Clam Seashell Pair.jpg
Tun Sea Shell On Beach Sand.jpg
Tun Sea Shell On Shore.jpg
Shell With Sadow.jpg
Shell Standing On Dry Sand.jpg
tun shell-horz.jpg
Tun Shell In Shalow Water.jpg
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![Paper nautiluses, referring to the paper-thin eggcase that females secrete. This structure lacks the gas-filled chambers present in chambered nautilus shells and is not a true cephalopod shell, but rather an evolutionary innovation unique to the genus Argonauta.[1] It is used as a brood chamber and for trapped surface air to maintain buoyancy.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000QTSY5qdynI0/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000QTSY5qdynI0.jpg)
![Tonna galea, commonly known as the giant tun, is a species of marine gastropod mollusc in the family Tonnidae (also known as the tun shells). This very large sea snail or tun snail is found in the North Atlantic Ocean as far as the coast of West Africa, in the Mediterranean Sea and the Caribbean Sea. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.[1]](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000hgKB3Ch0ZUc/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000hgKB3Ch0ZUc.jpg)
![The Scotch bonnet (Semicassis granulata), also known as the ridged bonnet, is a medium-sized species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the subfamily Cassinae.[13][14] The common name alludes to the general outline and color of the shell, which vaguely resemble a Tam o' Shanter, a traditional Scottish bonnet.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000rU1klUjTrEE/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000rU1klUjTrEE.jpg)
![Sand dollars, like all members of the order Clypeasteroida, possess a rigid skeleton known as a test. The test consists of calcium carbonate plates arranged in a fivefold radial pattern. The common sand dollar, Echinarachnius parma, is widespread in ocean waters of the Northern Hemisphere, from the intertidal zone to considerable depths. It can be found in temperate and tropical zones. The keyhole sand dollar (three species, genus Mellita) is found on a wide range of coasts in and around the Caribbean Sea. Other English names for the creatures include sand cake and cake urchin.[3] In South Africa, they are known as pansy shells from their suggestion of a five-petaled garden flower. The Caribbean sand dollar or inflated sea biscuit, Clypeaster rosaceus, is thicker in height than most Other English names for the creatures include sand cake and cake urchin.[3] In South Africa, they are known as pansy shells from their suggestion of a five-petaled garden flower. The Caribbean sand dollar or inflated sea biscuit, Clypeaster rosaceus, is thicker in height than most. In Spanish-speaking areas of the Americas, the sand dollar is most often known as galleta de mar (sea cookie); the translated term is often encountered in English. The various common terms (sand dollar, sea biscuit, etc.) sometimes appear printed in hyphenated forms (sand-dollar, sea-biscuit).](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000C9SF6.8UxtE/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000C9SF6.8UxtE.jpg)
![Conch (/ˈkɒŋk/ or /ˈkɒntʃ/)[1] is a common name that is applied to a number of different medium to large-sized sea snails or their shells. The term generally applies to large sea snails whose shell has a high spire and a noticeable siphonal canal (in other words, the shell comes to a point at both ends).<br />
True conches are marine gastropod molluscs in the family Strombidae, specifically in the genus Strombus and other closely related genera such as Eustrombus.<br />
Many species also are often called "conch", but are not in the family Strombidae, including Melongena species (family Melongenidae), and the horse conch Pleuroploca gigantea (family Fasciolariidae). They also include the sacred chank or more correctly shankha shell (Turbinella pyrum) and other Turbinella species in the family Turbinellidae.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000KNtcTiU7BzE/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000KNtcTiU7BzE.jpg)
![Conch (/ˈkɒŋk/ or /ˈkɒntʃ/)[1] is a common name that is applied to a number of different medium to large-sized sea snails or their shells. The term generally applies to large sea snails whose shell has a high spire and a noticeable siphonal canal (in other words, the shell comes to a point at both ends).<br />
True conches are marine gastropod molluscs in the family Strombidae, specifically in the genus Strombus and other closely related genera such as Eustrombus. Conch (/ˈkɒŋk/ or /ˈkɒntʃ/)[1] is a common name that is applied to a number of different medium to large-sized sea snails or their shells. The term generally applies to large sea snails whose shell has a high spire and a noticeable siphonal canal (in other words, the shell comes to a point at both ends).<br />
True conches are marine gastropod molluscs in the family Strombidae, specifically in the genus Strombus and other closely related genera such as Eustrombus.<br />
Many species also are often called "conch", but are not in the family Strombidae, including Melongena species (family Melongenidae), and the horse conch Pleuroploca gigantea (family Fasciolariidae). They also include the sacred chank or more correctly shankha shell (Turbinella pyrum) and other Turbinella species in the family Turbinellidae.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I00000ECK2zso2KM/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I00000ECK2zso2KM.jpg)
![Conch (/ˈkɒŋk/ or /ˈkɒntʃ/)[1] is a common name that is applied to a number of different medium to large-sized sea snails or their shells. The term generally applies to large sea snails whose shell has a high spire and a noticeable siphonal canal (in other words, the shell comes to a point at both ends).<br />
True conches are marine gastropod molluscs in the family Strombidae, specifically in the genus Strombus and other closely related genera such as Eustrombus.<br />
Many species also are often called "conch", but are not in the family Strombidae, including Melongena species (family Melongenidae), and the horse conch Pleuroploca gigantea (family Fasciolariidae). They also include the sacred chank or more correctly shankha shell (Turbinella pyrum) and other Turbinella species in the family Turbinellidae.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000v60GNfbkChQ/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000v60GNfbkChQ.jpg)
![Conch (/ˈkɒŋk/ or /ˈkɒntʃ/)[1] is a common name that is applied to a number of different medium to large-sized sea snails or their shells. The term generally applies to large sea snails whose shell has a high spire and a noticeable siphonal canal (in other words, the shell comes to a point at both ends).<br />
True conches are marine gastropod molluscs in the family Strombidae, specifically in the genus Strombus and other closely related genera such as Eustrombus.<br />
Many species also are often called "conch", but are not in the family Strombidae, including Melongena species (family Melongenidae), and the horse conch Pleuroploca gigantea (family Fasciolariidae). They also include the sacred chank or more correctly shankha shell (Turbinella pyrum) and other Turbinella species in the family Turbinellidae.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000nPVNLfL7EJQ/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000nPVNLfL7EJQ.jpg)
![Conch (/ˈkɒŋk/ or /ˈkɒntʃ/)[1] is a common name that is applied to a number of different medium to large-sized sea snails or their shells. The term generally applies to large sea snails whose shell has a high spire and a noticeable siphonal canal (in other words, the shell comes to a point at both ends).<br />
True conches are marine gastropod molluscs in the family Strombidae, specifically in the genus Strombus and other closely related genera such as Eustrombus.<br />
Many species also are often called "conch", but are not in the family Strombidae, including Melongena species (family Melongenidae), and the horse conch Pleuroploca gigantea (family Fasciolariidae). They also include the sacred chank or more correctly shankha shell (Turbinella pyrum) and other Turbinella species in the family Turbinellidae.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000LPZCAMTQhXo/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000LPZCAMTQhXo.jpg)
![Paper nautiluses, referring to the paper-thin eggcase that females secrete. This structure lacks the gas-filled chambers present in chambered nautilus shells and is not a true cephalopod shell, but rather an evolutionary innovation unique to the genus Argonauta.[1] It is used as a brood chamber and for trapped surface air to maintain buoyancy.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000kbIbdi5RDHA/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000kbIbdi5RDHA.jpg)
![The argonauts (genus Argonauta, the only extant genus in the Argonautidae family) are a group of pelagic octopuses. They are also called paper nautiluses, referring to the paper-thin eggcase that females secrete. This structure lacks the gas-filled chambers present in chambered nautilus shells and is not a true cephalopod shell, but rather an evolutionary innovation unique to the genus Argonauta.[1] It is used as a brood chamber and for trapped surface air to maintain buoyancy.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000s5ex9Eef2lM/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000s5ex9Eef2lM.jpg)
![The argonauts (genus Argonauta, the only extant genus in the Argonautidae family) are a group of pelagic octopuses. They are also called paper nautiluses, referring to the paper-thin eggcase that females secrete. This structure lacks the gas-filled chambers present in chambered nautilus shells and is not a true cephalopod shell, but rather an evolutionary innovation unique to the genus Argonauta.[1] It is used as a brood chamber and for trapped surface air to maintain buoyancy.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000.QCIOSgWus0/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000.QCIOSgWus0.jpg)
![The argonauts (genus Argonauta, the only extant genus in the Argonautidae family) are a group of pelagic octopuses. They are also called paper nautiluses, referring to the paper-thin eggcase that females secrete. This structure lacks the gas-filled chambers present in chambered nautilus shells and is not a true cephalopod shell, but rather an evolutionary innovation unique to the genus Argonauta.[1] It is used as a brood chamber and for trapped surface air to maintain buoyancy.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I00000ACfyufSRNs/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I00000ACfyufSRNs.jpg)
![The argonauts (genus Argonauta, the only extant genus in the Argonautidae family) are a group of pelagic octopuses. They are also called paper nautiluses, referring to the paper-thin eggcase that females secrete. This structure lacks the gas-filled chambers present in chambered nautilus shells and is not a true cephalopod shell, but rather an evolutionary innovation unique to the genus Argonauta.[1] It is used as a brood chamber and for trapped surface air to maintain buoyancy.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000NAsXa1D6xaM/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000NAsXa1D6xaM.jpg)
![Paper nautiluses, referring to the paper-thin eggcase that females secrete. This structure lacks the gas-filled chambers present in chambered nautilus shells and is not a true cephalopod shell, but rather an evolutionary innovation unique to the genus Argonauta.[1] It is used as a brood chamber and for trapped surface air to maintain buoyancy.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000eHC15Q2NAA8/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000eHC15Q2NAA8.jpg)
![Lambis is a genus of large sea snails sometimes known as spider conchs, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Strombidae, the true conch family. [3]](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000VVLAApR59l0/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000VVLAApR59l0.jpg)
![Lambis lambis, common name the spider conch, is a species of large sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Strombidae, the true conchs. [2]](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000zGwXYaDWrjE/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000zGwXYaDWrjE.jpg)
![Lambis is a genus of large sea snails sometimes known as spider conchs, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Strombidae, the true conch family. [3]](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000i4hyEOGFVlU/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000i4hyEOGFVlU.jpg)
![Murex cabritii - Found South Carolina, USA to the West Indies - Murex is a genus of medium to large sized predatory tropical sea snails. These are carnivorous marine gastropod molluscs in the family Muricidae, commonly called "murexes" or "rock snails".[1]<br />
The common name murex is still used for a large number of species in the family Muricidae which were originally given the Latin generic name Murex in the past, but have more recently been regrouped into different newer genera.<br />
The word murex was used by Aristotle in reference to these kinds of snails, thus making it one of the oldest classical seashell names still in use by the scientific community.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000AFq4NSsh1cs/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000AFq4NSsh1cs.jpg)
![Murex is a genus of medium to large sized predatory tropical sea snails. These are carnivorous marine gastropod molluscs in the family Muricidae, commonly called "murexes" or "rock snails".[1]<br />
The common name murex is still used for a large number of species in the family Muricidae which were originally given the Latin generic name Murex in the past, but have more recently been regrouped into different newer genera.<br />
The word murex was used by Aristotle in reference to these kinds of snails, thus making it one of the oldest classical seashell names still in use by the scientific community.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000Xn2NLiTs1xI/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000Xn2NLiTs1xI.jpg)
![Murex is a genus of medium to large sized predatory tropical sea snails. These are carnivorous marine gastropod molluscs in the family Muricidae, commonly called "murexes" or "rock snails".[1]<br />
The common name murex is still used for a large number of species in the family Muricidae which were originally given the Latin generic name Murex in the past, but have more recently been regrouped into different newer genera.<br />
The word murex was used by Aristotle in reference to these kinds of snails, thus making it one of the oldest classical seashell names still in use by the scientific community.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000S_zqc0zKv0A/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000S_zqc0zKv0A.jpg)
![Murex is a genus of medium to large sized predatory tropical sea snails. These are carnivorous marine gastropod molluscs in the family Muricidae, commonly called "murexes" or "rock snails".[1]<br />
The common name murex is still used for a large number of species in the family Muricidae which were originally given the Latin generic name Murex in the past, but have more recently been regrouped into different newer genera.<br />
The word murex was used by Aristotle in reference to these kinds of snails, thus making it one of the oldest classical seashell names still in use by the scientific community.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I00007VUD5W04ekc/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I00007VUD5W04ekc.jpg)
![Murex is a genus of medium to large sized predatory tropical sea snails. These are carnivorous marine gastropod molluscs in the family Muricidae, commonly called "murexes" or "rock snails".[1]<br />
The common name murex is still used for a large number of species in the family Muricidae which were originally given the Latin generic name Murex in the past, but have more recently been regrouped into different newer genera.<br />
The word murex was used by Aristotle in reference to these kinds of snails, thus making it one of the oldest classical seashell names still in use by the scientific community.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000qr_KsW09tlM/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000qr_KsW09tlM.jpg)
![Chicoreus (Triplex) florifer, common name : the flowery lace murex, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails.[1]](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000JwgEdqFCKg0/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000JwgEdqFCKg0.jpg)
![Murex is a genus of medium to large sized predatory tropical sea snails. These are carnivorous marine gastropod molluscs in the family Muricidae, commonly called "murexes" or "rock snails".[1]<br />
The common name murex is still used for a large number of species in the family Muricidae which were originally given the Latin generic name Murex in the past, but have more recently been regrouped into different newer genera.<br />
The word murex was used by Aristotle in reference to these kinds of snails, thus making it one of the oldest classical seashell names still in use by the scientific community.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000wnJd9.BszrM/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000wnJd9.BszrM.jpg)
![Murex is a genus of medium to large sized predatory tropical sea snails. These are carnivorous marine gastropod molluscs in the family Muricidae, commonly called "murexes" or "rock snails".[1]<br />
The common name murex is still used for a large number of species in the family Muricidae which were originally given the Latin generic name Murex in the past, but have more recently been regrouped into different newer genera.<br />
The word murex was used by Aristotle in reference to these kinds of snails, thus making it one of the oldest classical seashell names still in use by the scientific community.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000QtJrkv4kIdQ/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000QtJrkv4kIdQ.jpg)
![Stellaria solaris, common name the sun carrier shell, is a species of large sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Xenophoridae, the carrier shells.[1]](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000SlUQuTiVU94/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000SlUQuTiVU94.jpg)
![Stellaria solaris, common name the sun carrier shell, is a species of large sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Xenophoridae, the carrier shells.[1]](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000OanLNRd9pyA/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000OanLNRd9pyA.jpg)
![Stellaria solaris, common name the sun carrier shell, is a species of large sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Xenophoridae, the carrier shells.[1]](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I00000wY04DWBCEA/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I00000wY04DWBCEA.jpg)
![Stellaria solaris, common name the sun carrier shell, is a species of large sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Xenophoridae, the carrier shells.[1]](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I00008BFTXWBi2kY/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I00008BFTXWBi2kY.jpg)
![Sea urchins or urchins, sometimes called sea hedgehogs, are small, spiny, globular animals which, with their close kin, such as sand dollars, constitute the class Echinoidea of the echinoderm phylum. There are c. 950 species of echinoids inhabiting all oceans from the intertidal to 5000 meters deep.[1] Their shell, or "test", is round and spiny, typically from 3 to 10 cm (1.2 to 3.9 in) across. Common colors include black and dull shades of green, olive, brown, purple, blue, and red. They move slowly, feeding mostly on algae. Sea otters, wolf eels, triggerfish, and other predators feed on them. Their "roe" is a delicacy in many cuisines.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I00004zD1i3fa83Y/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I00004zD1i3fa83Y.jpg)
![Epitonium scalare, common name the precious wentletrap, is a predatory or ectoparasitic species of marine gastropod with an operculum, in the family Epitoniidae, the wentletraps. [1]<br />
In the 17th and 18th century this was once considered to be a very rare shell and specimens changed hands for large sums of money. Johan de la Faille and Cosimo III de' Medici owned a wentletrap.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000Bztax6lrzYY/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000Bztax6lrzYY.jpg)
![Epitonium scalare, common name the precious wentletrap, is a predatory or ectoparasitic species of marine gastropod with an operculum, in the family Epitoniidae, the wentletraps. [1]<br />
In the 17th and 18th century this was once considered to be a very rare shell and specimens changed hands for large sums of money. Johan de la Faille and Cosimo III de' Medici owned a wentletrap.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000iCAvf64MBjQ/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000iCAvf64MBjQ.jpg)
![Epitonium scalare, common name the precious wentletrap, is a predatory or ectoparasitic species of marine gastropod with an operculum, in the family Epitoniidae, the wentletraps. [1]<br />
In the 17th and 18th century this was once considered to be a very rare shell and specimens changed hands for large sums of money. Johan de la Faille and Cosimo III de' Medici owned a wentletrap.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000NlTIeLAUt1c/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000NlTIeLAUt1c.jpg)
![The giant clam, Tridacna gigas (known as pā’ua in Cook Islands Māori), is the largest living bivalve mollusk. T. gigas is one of the most endangered clam species. Antonio Pigafetta documented these in his journal as early as 1521. One of a number of large clam species native to the shallow coral reefs of the South Pacific and Indian oceans, they can weigh more than 200 kilograms (440 lb), measure as much as 120 cm (47 in) across, and have an average lifespan in the wild of 100 years or more.[2] They are also found off the shores of the Philippines, where they are called taklobo, and in the South China Sea in the coral reefs of Sabah (Malaysian Borneo). T. gigas lives in flat coral sand or broken coral and can be found at depth of as much as 20 m (66 ft).[3] Its range covers the Indo-Pacific, but populations are diminishing quickly and the giant clam has become extinct in many areas where it was once common. T. maxima has the largest geographical distribution among giant clam species; it can be found in high- or low-islands, lagoons, or fringing reefs.[4] Its rapid growth rate is likely due to its ability to cultivate algae in its body tissue.](https://www.ruthburkeart.com/img-get2/I0000BA9FtTYvkR8/fit=188x188/fill=/g=G0000i3r7gSLvco8/I0000BA9FtTYvkR8.jpg)
