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.

Carditids of Southwest Florida

Here are the four species of carditids (Family Carditidae, not to be confused with Cardiidae, the cockles) present along the coast of Southwest Florida:...

A Much-Appreciated Nudibranch Tribute

Everyone has their moments of vanity—it’s part of the human condition, I guess. So, allow me to momentarily indulge and introduce to you...

The Tornids of Southwest Florida

For our brave-of-spirit and keen-of-eye readers and enthusiasts, here are the microgastropods in the family Tornidae (vitrinellas and scale snails) found along the shores of Southwest Florida...

The Common Periwinkle

During a recent visit to the coast of southern Maine, I observed and photographed Common Periwinkles. Littorina littorea...

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:...