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.

Time-lapse Video of Exhibits Installation

Time-lapse photography is a terrific way to show progress and the transformations that take place during the construction of buildings, plant growth,...

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...