gulf of mexico sea snails gulf of mexico sea snails

The Florida fighting conch is an herbivore (plant eater) and its common name comes from the observation of males fighting each other. The sea world is so amazing! The things that make them beautiful also make them dangerous. Hawaii sea stars starfish. They have been declining rapidly in number due to the extensive construction of dams. Most have separate sexes and exchange gametes in a sack called a spermatophore. They have a very fishy flavor but can make a delicious soup. What Makes Them Dangerous: Beneath their translucent bodies, jellyfish have poisonous tentacles. But the slugs have another defense they are poisonous. There are cephalopods that rival the size of some sharks and even whales. 1. Ill take a look at the picture I have for that shell. You can actually tell how old they are by the rings on the plates of their test. "Sea lice," common in the Gulf of Mexico, aren't actually lice but are the larva of jellyfish and much harder to avoid than the adults. Caribbean Sharpnose Shark. Beyond the natural world, human activity creates alien blobs in the form of tarballs. Its handsome, pointed spiral shell is used extensively in shell craft. Such gorgeous shells! It is addictive! In the United States, Florida is a prime example of these pervasive water quality issues and is home to some sensational sea snails. For example, what do you think is the most diverse group of animals in the Gulf of Mexico? Read More:Proven Tips For Finding Seashells On The BeachThe 16 Best Sea Shelling Tools EverCool Birds of The Coastal Carolinas. Still want to go for a swim? One of DEEPENDs primary objectives is to discover and document animals that live in the deep sea. Save up to 30% when you upgrade to an image pack. Im so jealous Ive seen a lot of Snake Head Cowrys for sale on Etsy. The true tulip is a voracious predator and will eat bivalves, snails and even decaying animals. Theyre one of the tastiest clams but also one of the smallest. by Rick O'Connor | Jun 11, 2020 | Coastal Wildlife, Coasts & Marine, Diving, Ecotourism, Gulf of Mexico, Marine life, Sea Life. They are a delicious food staple as well as popular with shell collectors. Theyre not as attracted to unscented lures as well. Live sand dollars have vibrant red and purple colors and only turn white after sitting in the sun. As mentioned, there are no native species of sea snake in the Gulf of Mexico. It is addictive! The Drill Snail causes serious destruction in commercial oyster farming. The usual suspects, sharks, stingrays, and jellyfish, are all present in the Gulf. This is the genus that produced the famous royal purple dye of the ancient Phoenicians. 2015 DEEPEND/Dant Fenolio, Larval Plesiopenaeus armatus. Common Sharks in the Gulf of Mexico That You Could Encounter. Several snails are collected commercially for human consumption, for use as bait in other fisheries or for sale as ornamentals to retail dealers or aquarium owners. Feeding time for sharks is breakfast and dinner, so avoid dusk and dawn. It also has an incredible lifespan of 140 years. 2015 DEEPEND/Dant Fenolio, Leptocephalus. These incidents are rare and often caused by poor eyesight. Cataegis meroglypta, a snail that dwells on the seafloor in the Gulf of Mexico. Texas has laws regarding the collection of these live shells as shell collectors have overharvested them. Since then, people have crowded to the Gulf of Mexico for business and pleasure. Many are absolutely beautiful, and you wonder how such small simple creatures can create such beauty. Its ribbon of teeth scrapes away at other mollusk tissues, and it is excellent for demonstrating radular movements. It is yellow or white in colour, with brown markings. Wow!! Never pick one up, though, because they have a stinging venom that can be fatal to humans. Arts Sep 5, 2015 2:59 PM EST. This shell is rarely found on the beach and is often mistaken for a Ponderous Ark Clam. Fry until golden brown on the outside. Their thick calcium carbonate shells protect them from most predators in the sea but not all. Seashells are amazing. For example, in 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill produced a massive outbreak of tiny, oily particles on Gulf beaches. this species is now established in the states that border the Gulf of Mexico (Walls 2009), including northern and central Florida. Massive development along the coast created an influx of human activity. These snails are carnivorous and eat mostly bivalves; they are often found consuming hard clams that were buried in the sediment. Some cephalopods are quite intelligent and have shown they can solve problems to reach their food. If a predator eats you they will get very sick, maybe die. Found sporadically in turtle grass beds. Its shell length is usually smaller than the true tulip, reaching up to 4 inches (100 millimeter). Rumor has it that the most expensive cowry sold for over $50,000. Are you ready for the ultimate sea shell identification guide? Angel Wings I learned sooo much!! Sonke Johnsen, Duke University Fire Worm A deep sea fire worm from the Gulf of Mexico. Click on column title to sort by that column. Some cephalopods are quite intelligent and have shown they can solve problems to reach their food. Ocean Conservancy, International Coastal Cleanup, Trash Free Seas, Trash Free Seas Alliance, Global Ghost Gear Initiative, Urban Ocean and Clean Swell are registered trademarks of Ocean Conservancy. Sea Snail; Squid; Trigger Fish; . Im getting a 5 year old grandson of a neighbor interested in seashells by letting him pick a shell that he is drawn to and telling him a story about it. Size: 1-3 cm. This marine species occurs from in the Caribbean Sea and in the Gulf of Mexico; in the Atlantic Ocean off Brasil . The conical shell resembles a coolie hat. Shell. The Gulf of Mexico is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the Straits of Florida, between Cuba and the U.S. state of Florida. Its Easy To Do. There are even seashell collecting clubs you can join. With the help of donors like you, Ocean Conservancy is developing innovative solutions to save our ocean. A long, thin state on the Gulf of Mexico, Veracruz is known for many of its seafood dishes. They feed on algae and other plant material distinguishing them from the carnivorous whelks or helmet sea snails. It is carnivorous and can grow up to 4 inches. Some believe these shells to have special healing properties. I had so many shells from this trip, I started a shell garden outside. This unique shell is hard to find intact as it has over 100 spines that can break off. We have a jar with our favorite shells weve found over the years. Thanks for the feedback! Size: 6-10 cm. What is Our Oceans Role in the Transition to Clean Energy? The shell is often white or light purple with stripes of orange or red. Ark Clams. Ive really enjoyed getting into collecting and identifying shells. By avoiding these creatures when possible, we reduce the likelihood of being hurt. Thats so cool that you got to go shelling in the Bahamas! There are 80 species alone of these miniature sea monsters in the Gulf of Mexico, one of the biggest dragonfish hotspots in the world. It was interesting to learn from @erin_seney that some Kemp's ridley #seaturtles in the N Gulf of Mexico are eating more fish and shrimp while others eat a more natural diet of crabs and snails. The best times to look for shells are after a high tide, after a storm, in the morning, and during the winter months. Sporadic. The dy (e)ing art of Mexico's Mixtecs. At different depths and aquatic vegetation, their shells have different morphologies, different spine . It is addictive! They have a distinctive stepped spire. The Geoduck is the largest burrowing clam globally, growing up to 6 feet long and weighing 15 pounds. But its much more likely that its a human mess if you see them on the beach. Tolerant of low salinities, Melongena is excellent for feeding demonstrations: food is placed in a test tube and the gastropod extends its long, snakelike proboscis down to get it. But beautiful they are, and the colors and shapes are controlled by their DNA. It produces silk-like threads which can be used to make an extremely rare and valuable fabric. A big thank you! The Gulf of Mexico, bordered by the United States, Mexico, and the island nation of Cuba, is the world's largest gulf. Aww, I love seashells! To reduce the amount you catch, try a floating bait. After the spill, scientists were severely limited in their ability to estimate the amount of damage to the ecosystem since hardly any baseline data existed for comparison. What Makes Them Dangerous: When tar balls first appeared, scientists suspected they were just a nuisance to humans. We have recently completed analysis of a massive sample set from 2011, which NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) used in their damage assessment, commented DEEPEND Director, Tracey Sutton. What Makes Them Dangerous: Hardhead catfish ooze a mild toxin that infects any cut they inflict. This is a great guide! Eastern Pacific round stingrays are the type most often found in Baja, and they grow to about 12 inches across. I do hope it helps others have fun shelling. The Calico Scallop comes in a range of eye-catching colors and patterns. Bittersweets. Feeding barracuda strike quickly and ferociously into schools of fish and sometimes swimmers. Oregon encourages people to dig for these calms, and you can collect 72 clams per day. This large snail can grow up to 6 inches tall. 15 Creatures in the Gulf of Mexico that are Stranger Than Fiction, DEEPEND (Deep Pelagic Nekton Dynamic of the Gulf of Mexico) Consortium. If you do catch one, or a dozen, theyre difficult to clean carefully. Secret Shelling Beaches in North Carolina, Okaloosa Island, FL This Beach Is A Hidden Gem, 22 Cool Things To Do In Ocean Isle Beach, NC, 19 Tips For Finding Seashells on The Beach, Find Amazing Shells on Ocean Isle Beach, NC, Ultimate Family Packing List For The Beach. The shell coils around a linear piece of shell called the columella. The shell is made of calcium carbonate (limestone) and is excreted from tissue called the mantle. This shell comes from a squid-like mollusk and is often called a Rams Horn Shell. I love learning about all the different seashell names! The Gulf of Mexico is a Mediterranean-type sea with limited fetch and low tidal ranges (microtidal) throughout. Im going to help you identify 63 amazing shells. Theyre different from flatfish like flounder and are related to sharks. I have a goal to get even more shells on my list. . The common tulip feeds on small gastropods. This is such a cool post! A small and less poisonous species, no one has ever died or been stung by one of these slow-movers, but like all cones, they have a venomous proboscis. They possess a stylet at the tip of their siphon (similar to the worms we have been writing about) which they can use as a dart for prey such as fish. These shells resemble a toy spinning top. It plows a furrow in the sand and engulfs bivalves, which it then drills. Some of the more common snails you will find along our portion of the Gulf of Mexico are: Crown Conch Olive Murex Banded Tulip Whelks Cowries Bonnets Cerith Slippers Moon Oyster Drills Bubble The most encountered slug is the sea hare. An uncommon conch. The horse conch (Triplofusus giganteus) is the largest univalve (single shell) snail found in U.S. waters and is the state shell of Florida. Small Shells Lettered olive Oliva sayana Max Size: 2.4 inches (60 mm) Crown cone Conus regius Max Size: 2.8 inches (70 mm) Common dove shell Columbella mercatoris Linne Max Size: 0.5 inches (13 mm) Giant Atlantic pyram Pyramidella dolabrata dolabrata They are often found attached to coral reefs. Quantities: 120 mt fully cleaned, blanched. There are possibly as many as 150,000 different species of mollusks. The lightning whelk (Busycon sinistrum) is one of the larger univalve snails found in Florida waters. These are deposited on the seafloor and the young are born with their shell ready for life. The horse conch can grow to a length of 24 inches (600 millimeters) and is easily identifiable by the bright orange flesh inside the shell. They can spend time on land, in saltwater or freshwater, be carnivores, herbivores or omnivores and vary in color, from ivory to brown, to vivid orange or pale violet. You might instinctively choose from the smorgasbord of critters listed above. 2015 DEEPEND/Dant Fenolio, Physophora hydrostatica. The Australian Trumpet is one of the largest shells in the world and can grow up to 35 inches. The Scotch Bonnet is the state shell of North Carolina and a rare find. You can usually find them clinging to rocks near the shoreline. You would think what is the point of an internal shell? good question. A Paper Fig can reach 5 inches in length and is found from North Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico. For more information aboutFlorida's marine-life fishery for the aquarium trade and related data, view the articleMarine Life and Tropical Ornamentals. So very interesting! It has a smooth rounded shell and a greatly expanded foot. 2015 DEEPEND/Dant Fenolio, Flying Fish. Click on family name to go to family page. If you swim through a swarm of larvae, painful rash-like welts could cover your body. Large stones-up to three tons each-make up the core and even larger cover stones weighing as much as 10 tons from a wide walkway on top. The Shark Eye snail can secrete an acidic enzyme that allows it to drill a hole in the shell of its prey in a matter of minutes. But most of the 500 species of shark arent dangerous, and only about 30 species attack humans. Common Name: Black Murex, Conch, Murex Snails, Rock Snails. The same bacteria that cause illness from bad seafood live in the tarballs. If surprised, stingrays will attack and inject a potent toxin into their attacker. It can grow up to 6 inches in length and is found in Indo-Pacific waters. Sand dollars live up to 10 years. I love it! Its really interesting how long sea life can live. Your email address will not be published. Theyre attracted to shiny objects, so removing jewelry before diving is a good idea. They are typically called snails and slugs and are different in that they produce a single coiled shell. 64 helpful votes. There are an estimated 60,000 80,000 species of gastropods, second only to the insects. I had no idea there was so different kind of shells. I hope to find one someday! The Cantharus shell grows up to 1 1/2 inches and has knobs on the outside of the shell. Shell collecting is so much fun. Pro Tip: Want to RV in some sand and sun? Cone snails are found in a variety of gorgeous colors and patterns. Shell collecting has been popular for centuries and, in times past, there were large shows where shells from around the world were traded. Thanks for reading! The entire basin is about 600,000 square miles (1.5 million sq km). Home The Most Dangerous Creatures in the Gulf of Mexico. Florida Rock Snail - Bay. I recently found what I think is a Snake Head Cowry in the Bahamas. Move out of the way, sea slugs, theres a new charismatic critter on the block: the sea snail! Scallops have a large number of small eyes, which help them detect predators. Before we get into more detail on that, let's first cover some general information about sea snakes. Would you like a free printable of all the shells below for your next beach trip? Some of the places they are found include Europe, Iceland, and New Zealand. They possess a stylet at the tip of their siphon (similar to the worms we have been writing about) which they can use as a dart for prey such as fish. In fact, when limpets are fully clamped down, its challenging to remove them as they will allow themselves to be destroyed over letting go of a surface. Sea snails, like land and freshwater snails, are gastropod molluscs. There is one venomous snail the cone snail, of which we have about five species in the Gulf. The main difference is a bony plate that spans their bodies. Some snail shells have a thin extension near the head that protects the siphon a tube that acts like a snorkel drawing water in and out of the body. The Florida apple snail is a critical component of the state's wetland food webs. with a specific emphasis on the continued conservation of Gulf of Mexico estuaries, such as the Mobile-Tensaw Delta in Alabama. Florida is home to a variety of marine gastropods, or sea snails. While diving in Kahului . Management implications.. #SERSTM. Ive never seen them in any other colour up here, but they are probably much more beautiful in a vibrant colour. Local authorities will have a cleanup effort underway and need the beach clear. This is the state shell of Florida and largest marine snail living in the Atlantic Ocean. Ever visited a beach and collected shells? . Their discarded shells provide protection and habitat for other animals and are prized by shell collectors worldwide. This enormous, thick shell can grow up to a whopping 16 inches long. The Gulf of Mexico is the ninth largest body of water in the world at a width of 810 nautical miles (1,500 km). And so important to make sure there are no critters still alive in the shells you collect Ive learned the hard way . This snail lives on mud or sand flats and can be found worldwide. Jingle shells are named for the sound they make when several are strung together to make a wind chime. Transverse Ark. Swimming, surfing, boating, and fishing are all favorite activities. These are deposited on the seafloor and the young are born with their shell ready for life. Unlike sharks, stingrays only attack in defense, but they have a powerful weapon. The infection can lead to serious complications and even death. Sorry, but we failed to add you to the list. Spikes and color can vary widely from shell to shell. The Gulf of Mexico coastal region is known for its seafoodshrimp, spiny lobsters, crawfish and oysters just to name a few. And if you think that dragonfishthe estranged cousins to an otherwise normal-looking fish familyare an anomaly, think again. The Queen Conch is found in the Caribbean. Unlike sea slugs, youre more likely to actually see a sea snailand without having to venture to the ocean floor. Size: 10-14 cm. Thats interesting that your sand dollars are black. What an awesome and extensive guide. Required fields are marked *, Top 16 Deadliest Animals In North Carolina. How to Avoid Them: Sharks will mostly bite if theyre hungry. They can grow up to 3 inches in diameter. These snails are carnivorous (meat-eaters) and eat mostly bivalves (two shells) and other snails, including other horse conchs. Wow! They are a great way to remember beach trips. Im glad you found the guide helpful. So, what are the best local beaches I can visit? It's all the same to the animals Cracks and crevices between the jetty stones are home to seaweeds, crabs, sea anemones and the like. I love the beach and this is an absolutely amazing list to keep on hand!!! Coquina Clams are found all over the world. Be aware of your surroundings. How to Avoid Them: With sea urchins, the best thing to do is keep your eyes open. About Tar Balls: Of course, one of the more dangerous creatures in the Gulf of Mexico is us humans. Within days of becoming infected, a person may develop a rash or itchy skin. I also found an amazingly gorgeous and shiny white olive shell with yellow stripes.. its so different from the ones we have on the coast of North Carolina! Aliger gigas Max Size: 14 inches (350 mm) Small seashells from the Turks and Caicos. The Lightning Whelk is the state shell of Texas and can grow up to 15 inches long. Whelk Egg case . I love exploring nature, quaint towns, fantastic restaurants, and unique travel destinations. The Channeled Duck Clam shell is so delicate, its hard to find one intact on the beach. Hardheads are generally bottom dwellers. Many are absolutely beautiful, and you wonder how such small simple creatures can create such beauty. Hi there! I was able to find a shark eye, babys ear, lettered olive, slipper, auger, periwinkle, whelk, jewel box, and a.. RARE scotch bonnet. What a great guide. It has a pointed shell and a huge orange foot making it a striking demonstration piece. The Turbo Snail is native to the Gulf of California off the coast of Mexico. They reach a maximum length of just over 1.5m and weigh a maximum of 7.5 kg and pose absolutely no threat to humans whatsoever. Youve done us a marvelous service with the pictures and stories of each one. They have pretty good eyes and excellent sense of smell. 2015 DEEPEND/Dant Fenolio. Auburn University later discovered that something more menacing is in the tar balls. Size: 2-4 cm. Barnacle beast . How nice that you got to stay in the Outer Banks for your anniversary! . The enzymes then soften the flesh of the prey so the snail can devour its victim. What Makes Them Dangerous: Beneath their translucent bodies, jellyfish have poisonous tentacles. Despite the name Arroz (Rice) a la Tumbada, this dish is actually a wonderful, tomatoey, mixed seafood broth containing shrimp, octopus, and crab-and yes, rice. Periwinkles lap up diatoms and filamentous algae, and follow each others mucous trails, up and down the stalks. It has been estimated that these islands were formed about 5,000 - 8,000 years ago. Pack size: 15 kg cartons. Together, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. Natural oil leaks can also cause tar balls. [2] The following images show variation in shell color and markings: The shell has a low, distantly but distinctly tuberculated spire, and direct sides. The following shells are commonly found on Florida's beaches. Otherwise very helpful I was trying to find a shell that I found and your post helped! They live up in the intertidal zone or out in the depth of the ocean. If a predator eats you they will get very sick, maybe die. I live somewhat near Idaho and Oregon. They're even dangerous in death, so it's critical to give them a lot of space if you see one washed up on the beach. Orange sea star ( Echinaster spinulosus) E-1660 ORANGE STARFISH, Echinaster spinulosus. Ark Shell - Yellow. There are many species of cowry, including the Snake Head Cowry pictured above. My visitors, guests and family cant get enough of them, they always ooh and awe over them. Striped Bittersweet. Check out these five Florida sea snails: After learning about these sensational species in Florida, ready to make like a sea snail and take action for our ocean? Live Spirula are rarely seen as they are deep ocean dwellers, but shells are common to find on tropical beaches. You can also throw a rock into the area youre planning to swim to scare them away. Ocean acidification is caused by an increase in carbon pollution in our ocean, resulting in weaker shells in sea snails and many other shell-building organisms. Of those 30, scientists consider just three to be the most dangerous. Dont forget to get your free printable of these shells for your next beach trip! The shells of juvenile horse conchs are also bright orange, but they fade to dark brown over time. Even though shells can be easy to find, they are popular to collect because of their beautiful, glossy exterior. My daughter love to collect shells. The great white, tiger, and bull sharks are the most likely to bite a human. M-870 LIGHTNING/ LEFT HANDED WHELK, Sinistrofulgur sinistrum. Now theres an easy way to know what kind of shell youve found. I learned so much from this post. Tea Drillia. Thank you. long (smaller specimens shipped for aquarium) large, over 24 cm. People have kept lionfish in aquariums for decades because of their markings. This delicate shell can be mistaken for a Pear Whelk, but a Paper Fig doesnt have the distinct spirals of a Whelk. Bat Sea Star. Slugs are snails without a visible shell (some have an internal shell and a few have a greatly reduced external shell). It is the traditional large whelk used for dissection in invertebrate and general biology courses. First up the snails (Class Gastropoda). Theyre just as likely to swim by or avoid a snorkeler as theyre to attack. They have bands when theyre small, which grow into spots when they mature and become adults. Theyre almost impossible to see in the dark, but you cant miss the sting. First, they are one of about 13 families of fish in the Gulf of Mexico that lack ventral fins, those on the belly side of their bodies. They are benthic-grazing herbivores that feed . Click on common or scientific name to go to species page. Lightboxes. How to Avoid Them: Avoiding stingrays can be tricky because they camouflage perfectly in the sand. 2015 DEEPEND/Dant Fenolio, Siphonophore. This snail seeks out oysters and mussels by smell. The shell of a true tulip is smooth and spindle-shaped with several whorls, or spirals, in the shell. Almost everyone who visits the beach is attracted to, and must take home, a seashell to remind them of the peace beaches give us. Almost everyone who visits the beach is attracted to, and must take home, a seashell to remind them of the peace beaches give us. Whelk squirts water . Size: 4-6 cm. They adorn salt marshes from New York to Texas. For more information, visit http://gulfresearchinitiative.org/ and http://deependconsortium.org. On the barrier island across the estuary from Ro Lagartos, on the sandy, wave-washed beach facing the Gulf of Mexico and beside the canal connecting the Gulf with the estuary, a hand-sized clump of algae washed ashore looking like a tangle of green, forked spaghetti. They are found in warm and tropical oceans and seas. Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing about your seashell collection. They possess antenna, which can be tactile or sense chemicals in the water (smelling) to help provide information to a simple brain. Their coloring can include brown, orange, red, and white. It occurs in greenhouses and nurseries, where it can be found under potted plants, so it is . What a great shell guide and now I know what I need to do when I go visit my granddaughters in North Carolina we def need to take a trip to the beaches. Super helpful, visually appealing and fun + concise! It then drills a hole in their shell to feed on them with their radula (a tongue-like organ with miniature teeth). Fertilized eggs are often encased in structures that resemble clusters, or chains, of plastic. It is a particularly hardy and attractive gastropod that is found around oyster reefs and mud flats in West Florida. Deep-water habitats were most affected by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010 because that is where the oil leak occurred and where much of the oil settled. How to Avoid Them: The best way to avoid tar balls is to stay away from them when theyre present. The shell is made of calcium carbonate (chalk) secreted by the organism, and the shell is continuously . Its so fun to identify seashells! Pearl oysters are harvested for the pearls they produce. Size 4-6 cm. Many snails are also collected by recreational harvesters. This is the state shell of South Carolina and can be found from North Carolina to Florida. 2015 DEEPEND/Dant Fenolio, Joubiniteuthis portieri. There is an opening in the shell where the snail can extend much of its body this is called the aperture and some species can close this off with a bony plate called an operculum when they are inside. If youre swimming around these areas, keep an eye out. Fatal stings are very uncommon, with most being like a bee sting. Sea snails are an extremely diverse group of marine gastropods that are found around the world. 2015 DEEPEND/Dant Fenolio, Waryfish-Scopelosaurus smithi. Have you ever been swimming in the Gulf of Mexico? This is a popular shell for collectors and is even used in decorating. Top shells are brightly colored and can be found worldwide. These creatures spend most of their lives in shallow water, and locals and scientists alike have a pretty good understanding of whats living there. It has a long proboscis and moves by ciliary waves on foot. Many wentletraps are less than an inch long. Wish I had this recently when we were staying in the outer banks for our 25th! I wonder if its still valuable? My buddy Adam from Movin Weight fishing called me up and asked if I wanted to do a sea snail catch clean cook! Theyre striped with brown or maroon and white and have long tentacles on top. Whelks. The most encountered slug is the sea hare. It appears very (VERY!) Wentletraps have a beautiful spiral shell that looks like a staircase. Between plastic and pollution, weve caused much damage to its waters. . Newer shells will have longer spines. or contact 1.888.780.6763, Former Digital Production and Community Coordinator, speak up and tell your legislators you support improving Floridas water quality, Contact your House representative to ask them to support legislation to protect our ocean from the effects of climate change, Seafood Species Vulnerable to Climate Change. This small, pretty shell (less than one inch in length) is found in the Indian Ocean along Madagascar and the Western Pacific. Im so glad you like the shell guide. Size: 5-7 cm. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Farris Bryant Building We are no. Lightning whelk shells are usually creamy with dark brown streaks. Glad you like the guide. Bull sharks, in particular, are dangerous towards humans because they eat just about anything they can sink their teeth into. There are an estimated 60,000 80,000 species of gastropods, second only to the insects. The cone snails in FL are not the deadly South Seas cone snail. Great Post! M-912 TURBO CASTANEA OR TOP SNAIL Astria sp. PULMONATA: GASTRODONTOIDEA HELICOIDEA. Size: 1-1.5 cm. Some snail shells have a thin extension near the head that protects the siphon a tube that acts like a snorkel drawing water in and out of the body. If you get stung more than once, you may experience shortness of breath, shock, and even death.