Curator’s Corner

Museum, research, and collection updates from Dr. José H. Leal, plus Shell of the Week, which highlights a different species every other Friday. Most Shells of the Week are found in Southwest Florida.

Dr. José H. Leal serves as the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium’s Science Director and Curator. He received his Ph.D. in Marine Biology and Fisheries from the University of Miami and has served at the Museum since 1996.

Small Venus Clams of Southwest Florida

A couple of weeks ago I posted an image with the larger venus clams (family Veneridae) present along the coast of Southwest Florida. Here are ...

Semeles of Southwest Florida

Check out the well-known and some more obscure shallow-water semeles (family Semelidae) living along the coast of Southwest Florida:...

Semeles of Southwest Florida

Check out the well-known and some more obscure shallow-water semeles (family Semelidae) living along the coast of Southwest Florida:...

FUM 2026 – Save the Date!

The next meeting of Florida United Malacologists (FUM) will take place at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, Sanibel...

Marginellas of Southwest Florida

Check out the shallow-water marginellas (family Marginellidae) living along the coast of Southwest Florida: 1 – Gold-line Marginella (Dentimargo aureocinctus); 2 – Tan Marginella (Dentimargo eburneolus)...