Mollusks

Shell of the Week: The Chestnut Mussel

Mussels are not only good seafood, but they also come in a large number of different species. The Chestnut Mussel, Lioberus castanea (Say, 1822) is a relatively small species that rarely reaches beyond 25 mm (one inch). Its shell is elongate, inflated, with the brown outer layer, the periostracum, that is so characteristic of the mussel family Mytilidae. There is a distinct, sharp line separating the posterior end (lighter color) from the anterior end (darker color). The inner surface of the she

Shell of the Week: The Southern Spindle Bubble

Another species in the “bubble” category, Volvulella persimilis(Mørch, 1875) is locally rare, and a very small species, reaching only 4 mm (about 0.16 inch) in length. This snail has an involute shell, i.e., the entire shell spire is encased by the last whorl, which gives the shell its spindle-shaped appearance. The apex is pointed, and the shell surface is glossy, sculptured with a few very fine spiral lines. #volvulellapersimilis #southernspindlebubble #rhizoridae #bubblesnail

Shell of the Week: The Two-tooth Barrel Bubble

Giving continuity to our discussion of the local barrel bubbles, today I want to introduce the Two-tooth Barrel Bubble, Cylichnella bidentata (d’Orbigny, 1841). This small snail reaches 4 mm (0.16 inch), has a characteristic sunken spire, and the columella (viewed on the left side of the aperture, or opening) with two folds that at a glance look like two “teeth.” The aperture is flared in anterior direction (on bottom of the picture.)

Shell of the Week: The Cande Barrel Bubble

Last week I presented the little Channeled Barrel Bubble; today I want to introduce a is very similar species, the Cande Barrel Bubble, Acteocina candei (d’Orbigny, 1841). Although reaching comparable size (about 5 mm, or 0.2 inch), today’s species differs from the Channeled Barrel Bubble by having a slightly taller spire, more cylindrical shape, and by reproductive and anatomical differences.

Spotted Slipper Snail Eggs

Last week, Museum collaborator and Shell Ambassador Amy Tripp (Marco Island, Florida) brought to my attention a slipper snail she photographed at nearby Kice Island. The photo doesn’t show much of the shell, but clearly portrays a mass of egg capsules containing developing embryos. As I peeked at the photo, my first thought was “hmm, this is a female Common Atlantic Slipper, Crepidula fornicata, brooding her eggs.” However, a quick estimate of the number of eggs in each capsule told me I was wr

Shell of the Week: The Channeled Barrel Bubble

Acteocina canaliculata (Say, 1826) reaches only 5 mm (0.2 inch). The shell is thin, slightly pear-shaped, and the spire usually spans less than 1/5 of the shell length. The protoconch (larval shell, on top) is set at 90º to the adult shell. Barrel bubbles are cephalaspidean gastropods, and, as such, have a well-defined cephalic shield. Very similar to Acteocina candei (d’Orbigny, 1841), but this latter tends to have a taller spire, being more common in open-water locations. #acteocinacanaliculat

H2O Art Exhibition

Starting on February 9, the Museum will be hosting the “H2O Art Exhibition” in partnership with the Alliance for the Arts (Fort Myers). The juried exhibition will include 66 works of art by local and non-local artists, each providing a distinctive artistic interpretation on the life-giving liquid and its importance to our planet. The exhibition is open during regular Museum hours with paid admission, and artworks will be available for sale. February 9 to April 30. #h2oexhibition #shellmuseum #a

Shell of the Week: The Vera Cruz Caecum

The last of the Caecum series: another neglected local species of the family Caecidae, Caecum circumvolutum de Folin, 1867 has a tubular shell that rarely reaches beyond 2 mm (about 0.08 inch). The shell sculpture in this species shows a number of circular, very delicate grooves. The shell “plug” is pointy, asymmetrical. The shell color is white. The shell illustrated was collected by Dale V. Stingley in May 1954, on Sanibel. #caecumcircumvolutum #caecidae #veracruzcaecum #sanibel

Shell of the Week: The Striate Caecum

Another small (and neglected) local species of the family Caecidae (the caecums), Caecum striatum de Folin, 1868 has a tubular shell that rarely reaches beyond 2.5 mm (about 0.1 inch). The shell is sometimes covered with a thin, light-brown periostracum. The shell sculpture in this species shows a number of lengthwise, delicate lines. The shell aperture (opening) is devoid of any ornaments or rings. The shell "plug" is blunt, hemispherical. The shell color is white. The image was taken with a Sc

Shell of the Week: The Multicostate Caecum

Another small (and neglected) local species of the family Caecidae (the caecums), Caecum multicostatum de Folin, 1867 has a tubular shell that rarely reaches beyond 2 mm (about 0.08 inch). The shell sculpture in this species shows a number of lengthwise, delicate ridges. The shell aperture (opening) is encircled by ring-like cords. The shell "plug" is blunt, hemispherical. The shell color is white or tan. The top image was taken with a Scanning Electron Microscope. #caecummulticostatum #caecidae