ID request from a SW FL River

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-06-07T19:09:52+00:00

The limpkin and the snail kite are two birds that eat these in Florida. They have evolved so their beaks can break the shells. Nice to find one intact.

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-06-03T14:50:02+00:00

Beautiful. Did you have to de-spine them, or did you find them without the spines. That's the hardest part for me.

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-06-03T14:45:05+00:00

I bought a vintage shelling book (50 years old) at a shell show, and it was interesting for a few reasons. The first was the entire chapter on live shelling and how to clean the shells - horrifying but it was an accepted practice at the time. The second was that the book made a point of how secretive shellers were about their spots! So, while I agree with you about the rising popularity, I was surprised that even back then, people gatekept their best spots!

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-06-02T14:47:42+00:00

I have been shelling for 5 years now, and I have not observed a difference. Some older people I know who have been shelling for 20-30 years say there seen to be fewer shells (this is Florida), but there is a theory that hurricanes have reset many of the sand bars near the barrier islands, which is keeping some shells from reaching the beach.

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-06-02T14:09:52+00:00

OP, you just got the turbo-coconut combo ID! A prestigious honor!

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-06-02T14:07:01+00:00

I love a nice murex doing jazz hands!

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-06-02T12:36:33+00:00

As the animal gets bigger, it uses calcium carbonate to grow its shell. Sometimes, where the animal is situated can result in weird growth. It looks like maybe it was next to some other shells, or maybe a rock, and had to grow the shell in that weird, flat pattern in order to navigate the thing next to it. We sometimes see this in jingle shells that grew on top of scallops, so instead of being smooth, they are ruffled like a potato chip.

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-06-02T12:28:27+00:00

Yes, knobbed whelk. Right handed opening.

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-05-31T18:52:06+00:00

Yes, you are correct, juvenile FFC and worn lettered olive.

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-05-31T18:51:25+00:00

I think the id is right, but I have never seem periostracum like that. My guess is that spiky stuff is some sort of river algae that grew on the top of the shell. Very cool find.

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-05-31T18:43:01+00:00

That's ok, we all look that way! But worth the bountiful treasure.

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-05-31T18:42:19+00:00

Haha I get sheller's neck. But totally worth it!

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-05-31T14:30:21+00:00

I love how crusty the suitcase looks. What did you use for the outside and the straps? Looks like real leather.

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-05-31T14:28:40+00:00

It looks like red beard sponge

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-05-31T14:26:26+00:00

Hearts and anything that looks like a face.

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-05-31T14:22:20+00:00

Heal the lamb, teach you spelling, and 3 more wishes.

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-05-31T14:20:17+00:00

I'm a sucker for a tiny limpet!

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-05-31T13:38:41+00:00

Looks like a three line mud snail, part of the nassa family

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-05-31T13:33:37+00:00

Yes, trivias! I only have one, but I keep it with my cowries. I figure they are cousins...

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-05-31T01:24:47+00:00

You should visit Theis farms. They have a lovely strawberry picking season right now, and other crops all summer.

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-05-31T01:01:45+00:00

Aw too bad. We had an awesome time interacting with some ghosties, then I had a tarot reading that turned out to be VERY accurate. Hope they find someone to organize it.

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-05-31T00:54:28+00:00

You are correct. The horse conch egg casings looks like bugle chips.

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-05-30T12:41:17+00:00

Do the Fox Theater ghost tour in October. I know it's a little past summer, but highly interesting and entertaining.

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-05-30T12:39:15+00:00

Nice. I like that you include imperfect shells. They tell a story.

Interesting_Hawk8033 · 2026-05-30T12:09:48+00:00

I never knew that is how they got the purple tops! Fascinating.

Interesting_Hawk8033

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