Shell of the Week: The Stocky Cerith

Cerithium litteratum could just as well be called the “Lettered Cerith,” as one of the meanings of the Latin word litteratum is “inscribed with letters.” And that shell looks the part! The Stocky Cerith reaches 34 mm (about 1.34 inches). Its shell is adorned with numerous spiral threads and a spiral row of about 10 small tubercles below the suture. Color white with darker spots arranged in spiral lines. This is a shallow-water species, living on sand and sea grass beds. The Stocky Cerith is not common in SW Florida; the specimen in the image came from Egmont Key (mouth of Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County). Illustration by José H. Leal.

Certithium litteratum from Egmont Key, Florida. Illustration by José H. Leal.