Most cases involve some kind of defense mechanism. Pro Tip: If youve seen Jaws, you might not be so keen to go skinny dipping in the Gulf of Mexico. Ill take a look at the picture I have for that shell. It also has an incredible lifespan of 140 years. Size: 2-4 cm. The great white, tiger, and bull sharks are the most likely to bite a human. Never pick one up, though, because they have a stinging venom that can be fatal to humans. This is a great activity to do with them they will love it. It is addictive! They can be found throughout Florida marine waters, foraging in seagrass beds or buried in sandy sediments. It produces silk-like threads which can be used to make an extremely rare and valuable fabric. I am not aware of any edible slugs and that is good thing. Thanks! They are known to lie on the bottom and cover themselves with sand, which is how most people get stung. It can be found in many bright colors, including red, orange, and purple. It has a smooth, elongated and polished shell. I hope you get a chance to do some shelling - I hope you find some complete ones. Rumor has it that the most expensive cowry sold for over $50,000. These species are divided into 8-9 classes (depending which book you read) but for this series on Embracing the Gulf we will focus on only three. I am on search for different species of shells and this is a great help. Check it out. 2015 DEEPEND/Dant Fenolio, Waryfish-Scopelosaurus smithi. If you liked what you read, please PIN IT! What Makes Them Dangerous: Hardhead catfish ooze a mild toxin that infects any cut they inflict. Preyed upon by tulip shells whose trails produce violent evasive action by Nassarius. Lightning whelks are most commonly found on mud and sand flats but are occasionally observed in seagrass beds. Im going to help you identify 63 amazing shells. Oregon encourages people to dig for these calms, and you can collect 72 clams per day. Cities like Gulf Shore, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida provide easy access to warm, shallow waters of the Gulf. It can have spots or zig-zag stripes, hence the name Lightning Dove. They come in many colors, including orange, white, purple, and yellow. For more information aboutFlorida's marine-life fishery for the aquarium trade and related data, view the articleMarine Life and Tropical Ornamentals. The shell coils around a linear piece of shell called the columella. You can actually tell how old they are by the rings on the plates of their test. If you do catch one, or a dozen, theyre difficult to clean carefully. Worm Shells The narrow, coiled tubes of sea snails are very different from regular snails. Thanks for signing up for Ocean Conservancy emails. For example, what do you think is the most diverse group of animals in the Gulf of Mexico? This is very helpful! 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. 2015 DEEPEND/Dant Fenolio, Larval Plesiopenaeus armatus. The cone snails in FL are not the deadly South Seas cone snail. Thats awesome that youve found a way to keep the shells youve collected. 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. Common Name: Black Murex, Conch, Murex Snails, Rock Snails. 15 Creatures in the Gulf of Mexico that are Stranger Than Fiction, DEEPEND (Deep Pelagic Nekton Dynamic of the Gulf of Mexico) Consortium. This species is useful for displaying fluke larvae, which can be produced almost 100 percent of the time by cracking the shell and soaking the animal in a dish of seawater. TYPE LOCALITY Gulf slope of Sierra de la Gigante, southwest of Muleje [Muleg], 2.9 miles south of El Potrero, along trail from Pie de La Cueta to Guajademi, in rock slide about 1.5 miles from Pie de La Cueta, Baja California Sur; ca. . Natural oil leaks can also cause tar balls. The banded tulip (Fasciolaria lilium) is a close relative of the true tulip and is found in the same habitats in Florida. Sand dollars live up to 10 years. In the Gulf of Mexico, youre most likely to encounter the bull shark. This seahorse is a species from Indonesia. When the tide rises, they ascend the grass stalks until well above water level. They possess antenna, which can be tactile or sense chemicals in the water (smelling) to help provide information to a simple brain. Click on any of the seashell identification photos for information about each shell, where they were found, who found these shells and so much more. And thanks for mentioning Honeymoon Island State Park in Florida. I was able to find a shark eye, babys ear, lettered olive, slipper, auger, periwinkle, whelk, jewel box, and a.. RARE scotch bonnet. Species: Hexaplex nigritus. It has a coastline of about 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles). Rick is the Sea Grant Extension Agent for Escambia County. How to Avoid Them: The best way to avoid tar balls is to stay away from them when theyre present. M-910 FLORIDA MUREX, Murex pomum, (and other species of Murex). Because they are so small, abundant and live in regions that experience a lot of fluctuation, scientists can easily monitor sea snails and quickly pick up on any ecosystem changes. Ocean Conservancy is a 501(c)3 Tax ID #23-7245152 Donations are 100% tax-deductible as allowed by law. They are found in warm and tropical oceans and seas. His programs include topics on coastal invasive and nuisance species, restoring habitat and fisheries, monitoring water quality and biological indicators, and enhancing marine literacy for the community. The Geoduck is the largest burrowing clam globally, growing up to 6 feet long and weighing 15 pounds. They are popular marine snails for aquariums as they are easy to care for, and they clean algae off of glass and plants. 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. It has been estimated that these islands were formed about 5,000 - 8,000 years ago. you have the worng picture forthe bittersweet clam, At least I think :0. Getting into the water, though, shouldnt be a guessing game. Is Skinny Dipping Okay (and Legal) When Youre Camping. They range in size from 2 to 4 inches, and the coloring can include yellow, orange, and brown. . Queen conchs live in several different habitat types in the Caribbean, along the Gulf coasts of Florida and Mexico, and in South America. While theyre beautiful in aquariums, theyre a scourge to swimmers, boaters, and anglers alike in open water. Re: Cone snails in Florida. Second, they lack a caudal fin (the fish tail) and have a more prehensile tail for grabbing objects. Young barracuda swim in groups but tend to swim alone as they age. Oh and the sand dollar, we have them here on the Canadian West Coast, and ours are black when they are alive. Quantities: 120 mt fully cleaned, blanched. Cockles are a species of saltwater clams known for their tasty, delicate flesh and salty flavor. If you leave the injury alone, it can even lead to death. Theyre almost impossible to see in the dark, but you cant miss the sting. The common tulip feeds on small gastropods. These species are divided into 8-9 classes (depending which book you read) but for this series on Embracing the Gulf we will focus on only three. Each: $17.00 Large Each: $25.50 (4-8cm) Eared snail ( Sinum maculatum) M-850 EAR SNAIL, Sinum maculatum This unique shell is hard to find intact as it has over 100 spines that can break off. This snail paralyzes its prey with sulphuric acid and then swallows it whole. 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. unlikely that you would see, much less be affected by a cone snail along a Florida beach. long (smaller specimens shipped for aquarium) large, over 24 cm. We have a jar with our favorite shells weve found over the years. Tell us in the comments! - YouTube Some sort of sea slug or snail. But the slugs have another defense they are poisonous. The fascinating bat sea star ( Asterina miniata) is called so because of the webbingresembling bat wingsbetween its arms. One of DEEPENDs primary objectives is to discover and document animals that live in the deep sea. This shell was once used to make jewelry and ornaments but now is a popular souvenir for beach-goers. I have found several in North Carolina. Dont forget to get your free printable of these shells for your next beach trip! Theyre attracted to shiny objects, so removing jewelry before diving is a good idea. They are a delicious food staple as well as popular with shell collectors. I love seashells so much I bought a beautiful display case with 5 glass shelves to display them. Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by a parasitic worm that lives in certain types of freshwater snails. If a hardhead cuts you, expect to need medical treatment. I really loved the Indo-Pacific one, so beautiful! An uncommon conch. I had so many shells from this trip, I started a shell garden outside. Cerith snails are mostly found in tropical waters. It covers their body and continues to grow as they do. Feeding barracuda strike quickly and ferociously into schools of fish and sometimes swimmers. Click to enlarge. When threatened, tulip snails have an escape maneuver they can use when retreating into their shell is not enough. This basin is somewhat like a miniature ocean in that it contains all of the main bathymetric provinces of an ocean along with a complicated coastal zone (Figure 3.1).This chapter will consider the overall nature of the basin with emphasis on the sediments it contains. Most of the organisms that appear in the photographs below were found in the bathypelagic zone, an enigmatic slice of ocean also called the Midnight Zone. Gastropods. If you find an Ammonite shell on the beach, be sure to take it home with you! Even though shells can be easy to find, they are popular to collect because of their beautiful, glossy exterior. About Tar Balls: Of course, one of the more dangerous creatures in the Gulf of Mexico is us humans. There are cephalopods that rival the size of some sharks and even whales. Arts Sep 5, 2015 2:59 PM EST. Click the button below. Youre most likely to encounter Cownose, Southern, and Atlantic stingrays. There are actually around 100,000 shells in the world. 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. Please try Turbo crawls up the walls of the aquarium, consuming algae like a vacuum cleaner, making pronounced tank clear and visible in a few days. Most shark attacks arent deadly because the shark is simply tasting and exploring a potential meal. Feeding time for sharks is breakfast and dinner, so avoid dusk and dawn. Many of, Crocodiles are among the most terrifying animals of all time. They have pretty good eyes and excellent sense of smell. Their small size and ornamental appearance have made them popular for use in jewelry dating back 100,000 years. Shell. I was so excited about this find! That sundial shell is so gorgeous. The narrow, coiled tubes of sea snails are very different from regular snails. Hawkwing Conch. This spine covered shell can be found from North Carolina to Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico. Ever visited a beach and collected shells? 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. Aliger gigas Max Size: 14 inches (350 mm) Small seashells from the Turks and Caicos. Has eyes at the base of tentacles and expels gametes through aperture on top of shell. Browse and enjoy! The man behind the camera is scientist and artist Dante Fenolio, DEEPENDs cruise photographer. Common slipper shells (Crepedula fornicata), M-820 SLIPPER LIMPET, Crepidula fornicata. My daughter love to collect shells. Certain types of oysters are consumed raw or cooked and can be considered a delicacy. Ive purchased many of the rare ones and they live beside the ones Ive found on the florida beaches. this species is now established in the states that border the Gulf of Mexico (Walls 2009), including northern and central Florida. Im really glad you found the shell guide helpful. I will be more careful now and see if I can find rare ones. They live in deep water and most commonly sting SCUBA divers who try to handle them. Wow what an extensive guide! But you die as well, so Not too worry, poisonous slugs are brightly colored a universally understood signal to all predators. This post may contain affiliate links to help keep the Trippy content coming. The diet of the banded tulip is similar to that of the true tulip and is composed of smaller bivalves and snails. As 2022 comes to a close, I am reflecting on everything weve accomplished together on behalf, Climate change touches many aspects of our lives, including the food on our plates. These shells resemble a toy spinning top. You and I both noticed the same misidentification. I am not aware of any edible slugs and that is good thing. By avoiding these creatures when possible, we reduce the likelihood of being hurt. . 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! I learned so much from this post. They grow attached to hard surfaces or connected to other large groups of worm snails. There are cephalopods that rival the size of some sharks and even whales. It lives in many parts of the world and grows up to a 1/2 inch in length. It covers their body and continues to grow as they do. Fry until golden brown on the outside. No worries! The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is Alabama's Marine Research and Education Center. You can usually find them clinging to rocks near the shoreline. Raymond Gehman / Getty Images. Well send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). 0 Crown conch. They are incredible mollusks that are an important source of food for marine wildlife, they provide shelter for other creatures that take up residence in their discarded shells (like hermit crabs) and, most importantly, they provide valuable insight to marine ecosystem health. Im so glad you liked it. About Stingrays: Stingrays are a mostly docile species that live in the Gulf. Im so glad you found this guide helpful. Size: 2-4 cm. February 27, 2019. Seashells are so beautiful. But most of the 500 species of shark arent dangerous, and only about 30 species attack humans. Home The Most Dangerous Creatures in the Gulf of Mexico. Cart. Every seashore has them, they live attached to rocks, or they crawl on the sand. Ive really enjoyed getting into collecting and identifying shells. The Florida crown conch (Melongena corona) is a small- to medium-sized marine snail frequently found on oyster reefs. Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees, Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, Florida Department of Health seafood safety guidelines, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. I will definitely be back to this post the next time I find an interesting seashell. The snail that occupies the pretty cone shells transports a deadly toxin capable of killing humans; capable of killing 700 people to be exact. Shells can reach a length of 8 inches (200 millimeters), and the color ranges from light cream to dark brown with dark brown blotches and black spiral lines. This shell is found on the west coast of Mexico from Baja California to Peru. You can find them from North Carolina to Texas in sandy mud and shallow water. 2015 DEEPEND/Dant Fenolio, Flying Fish. The sting usually occurs when divers in deep reef waters handle the snails. How to Avoid Them: With sea urchins, the best thing to do is keep your eyes open. Slugs are snails without a visible shell (some have an internal shell and a few have a greatly reduced external shell). This clam is named for its extremely sharp rim, which can injure someone walking on the beach. 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. This clam can grow up to 4 inches wide and is found along the Atlantic coast. However, you can avoid them if you pay attention. Im so jealous Ive seen a lot of Snake Head Cowrys for sale on Etsy. You should be fine. Its so fun to find and collect them. Well help you know which creatures you can view up close and which to avoid so your perfect beach day isnt ruined. Just amazing. Published 7 Apr 2022, 10:50 BST. Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. 64 helpful votes. Read More:Proven Tips For Finding Seashells On The BeachThe 16 Best Sea Shelling Tools EverCool Birds of The Coastal Carolinas. 10 It is found along . Many are absolutely beautiful, and you wonder how such small simple creatures can create such beauty. About Jellyfish: Jellyfish are a squishy addition to the dangerous creatures list. Unlike sea slugs, youre more likely to actually see a sea snailand without having to venture to the ocean floor. The empty shells look like butterflies when laid flat. It is carnivorous and can grow up to 4 inches. Great guide for one of my favorite vacation pastimes! The largest gastropod in the Gulf of Mexico. We definitely need to be mindful of the beach ecosystem. Many shells are found on the beach as fragments. So I choose to highlight the shells you are most likely to find at the beach, including rare shells, huge shells, and even one deadly shell. Being poisonous means you have a form of toxin within your body tissue. An unusual gastropod with a small, delicate shell encased in a huge white slimy foot. If a predator eats you they will get very sick, maybe die. Even in a developed area like the Gulf of Mexico, dangerous creatures pose a risk to unobservant beachgoers. Access the list by submitting your email below: Are There Alligators and Sharks in Lake Powell? It can grow up to 6 inches in length. While they're usually not deadly, they can cause extreme pain for anyone who happens to encounter them. Youth Science Lessons - Marine Vertebrates - Lesson 2 Reptiles. 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. It is a smooth, shiny, cylindrical -shaped shell with a short spire. Im so glad you liked the seashell guide. Whelk squirts water . The apex, or top, of the shell is the oldest, with new whorls added as the snails grow. These delicate shells have a set of ridges that act as teeth and can grind into clay or rock to create a burrow. Texas has laws regarding the collection of these live shells as shell collectors have overharvested them. Research expeditions aboard ships, often called cruises (not to be mistaken with a luxury vacation), provide an opportunity for scientists to take samples at different ocean depths using nets, remotely operated vehicles, and other technologies. Well, first not all mollusk are small. Although Mexico's 6,000 miles of coastline, including the Sea of Cortez, the Pacific, Gulf and Caribbean shores, yield an astounding variety of edible marine life, Mexicans are also enamored of seafood from other countries. A cone-shaped pointed gastropod about 2 inches long. An excellent member of your aquarium's cleanup crew, the Turbo Snail thrives in crevices and holes in natural reefs. Within days of becoming infected, a person may develop a rash or itchy skin. I recently found one on Atlantic Beach, NC, and was ecstatic. A big thank you! There are 80 species alone of these miniature sea monsters in the Gulf of Mexico, one of the biggest dragonfish hotspots in the world. Females will lay eggs in an aquarium in vase shaped horny capsules. Size: 2-4 cm. The Gulf of Mexico coastal region is known for its seafood shrimp, spiny lobsters, crawfish and oysters just to name a few. The following shells are commonly found on Florida's beaches. They are often found attached to coral reefs. Moon Snail close up . 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. Ark Shell - Yellow. Just amazing. The Ocean Portal receives support from the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI) to develop and share stories about GoMRI and oil spill science. Gulf. There are dozens of species in the Gulf of Mexico. Directions: Heat the oil in a large pot or deep fryer until it reaches 350 F. While the oil heats up, combine flour, egg, milk/beer with the meat, peppers, onion, garlic, and salt and pepper. The main difference is a bony plate that spans their bodies. Still want to go for a swim? In a sand aquarium, they remain buried until a piece of fish is dropped in, and within minutes their siphons pop up like small periscopes and they converge on the meat. It is addictive! The Outer Banks are a great place to go shelling. I live somewhat near Idaho and Oregon. Other flattened univalve excellent for embryological studies, demonstrating spiral cleavage. Make sure you can enjoy these spaces for years to come. It possesses a crystalline style and is a ciliary feeder. This is an awesome shell guide! This snail lives on mud or sand flats and can be found worldwide. 1. Well, first not all mollusk are small. Sorry, but we failed to add you to the list. The Florida apple snail is a critical component of the state's wetland food webs. The shell, which can be up to four inch. But beautiful they are, and the colors and shapes are controlled by their DNA. The enzymes then soften the flesh of the prey so the snail can devour its victim. Theyre most active in the fall and around dawn and dusk in the Gulf. Find the perfect Beach snails stock video clips. Venomous and poisonous are two different things. The Florida fighting conch is an herbivore (plant eater) and its common name comes from the observation of males fighting each other. They have been declining rapidly in number due to the extensive construction of dams. Wentletraps have a beautiful spiral shell that looks like a staircase. Size: 5-7 cm. These scallop shells are about 4 inches wide and can be used for baking. A database will be created itemizing the species of snails collected on each dive, including the many minute species sorted from sand and sediment samples. It has a long proboscis and moves by ciliary waves on foot. These are deposited on the seafloor and the young are born with their shell ready for life. Great Post! 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. The largest dead zone in the United States forms each summer in the Gulf of Mexico over the Louisiana/Texas continental shelf (LUMCON 2018); at its largest the zone was measured at over 22,000 km 2 in 2017 (USEPA 2022). Beach authorities commonly report large concentrations of jellyfish and sea lice. The Queen Conch is probably of the most famous of the edible snails, and escargot are typically land snails. Makes my 90 yr old mind glow! Thats so cool that you got to go shelling in the Bahamas! Required fields are marked *, Top 16 Deadliest Animals In North Carolina. This means that they belong to one of the oldest animal phyla on the planet. Hendeson's Niso. Thank you. Its really interesting how long sea life can live. Unsurprisingly, the number of human and animal encounters grows every year. I might have to print off picts and have them match them. Im so glad you found this seashell guide helpful! This shell gets up to 5 inches long and is mainly found in West Florida in mudflats and oyster reefs. Click on family name to go to family page. 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. In fact, 72% of the shark attacks in the last decade involved surfers, swimmers, or water skiers. The dy (e)ing art of Mexico's Mixtecs. I differ with just one shell on your list. Before we get into more detail on that, let's first cover some general information about sea snakes. Stay calm when swimming around barracuda and no sudden moves. This is such an amazing shell guide! Nutrient pollution, which can be from fertilizer runoff, stormwater runoff or sewage, is seen in many of the algae-eating sea snails and is a crucial indicator of the seriousness of pollution and the potential for harmful algal blooms in the region. Thats interesting that your sand dollars are black. They are typically called snails and slugs and are different in that they produce a single coiled shell. Tar balls are a beach hazard thats almost entirely a result of human activity. Do cone snails live in the Gulf of Mexico? The shell coils around a linear piece of shell called the columella. Marine snails, also referred to as prosobranchs, are characterized by their soft and flexible body, as well as their conical or spiral shell. Our work is focused on solving some of the greatest threats facing our ocean today. What Makes Them Dangerous: The most significant danger with stingrays is their sting. The horse conch (Triplofusus giganteus) is the largest univalve (single shell) snail found in U.S. waters and is the state shell of Florida. The pictures were really helpful. Queen conch are slow growing and late to mature, reaching up to 12 inches in length and living up to 30 years. Pearl oysters are harvested for the pearls they produce. Among the most toxic are the textile, geographic, and tulip snails and there is a higher risk of death if the geographic and textile snails are involved. Beyond being messy, tar balls cause severe problems for local wildlife. The black siphon can be seen in this crown conch crawling across the sand.Photo: Franklin County Extension. Snails have only one shell that is continuously secreted from their mantle, coiling around the body. Chances are, those are old sea snail shells! 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. Size: up to 60 cm. Research Publications by Anne Rudloe Ph.D, Hurricane Hermine Affects on Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory. How to Avoid Them: Avoiding lionfish is easy by the beach. Some scallops even squirt jets of water from around the edge of their shells to help them escape from predators. A handsome reddish-orange starfish with white spots. Im going to have to look up a picture of that! Theyre different from flatfish like flounder and are related to sharks. What is Our Oceans Role in the Transition to Clean Energy? But the slugs have another defense they are poisonous. It lives in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Atlantic waters extending as far north as North Carolina. My favorite one you posted is the sundial! There have been reports of divers losing fingers and kayakers attacked by barracuda. 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 Gulf of Mexico is a semi-enclosed basin connected, to the south, to the Caribbean Sea, and to the North Atlantic Ocean to the east. 2015 DEEPEND/Dant Fenolio. How to identify. Florida Rock Snail - Bay. It lives in the sand and mud and can grow up to 6 inches long. This enormous, thick shell can grow up to a whopping 16 inches long. They are typically called snails and slugs and are different in that they produce a single coiled shell. About Sharks: The seas apex predators, sharks are one of the most feared underwater creatures. I remember seeing many of these seashells when we visited the back beaches. Their cousins the slugs either lack the shell completely, or they have a remnant of it internally. The Scotch Bonnet is the state shell of North Carolina and a rare find. Live sand dollars have vibrant red and purple colors and only turn white after sitting in the sun. Size: 1-1.5 cm. Hardheads are generally bottom dwellers. They grow attached to hard surfaces or connected to other large groups of worm snails. The Channeled Duck Clam shell is so delicate, its hard to find one intact on the beach. Snails of Mexico & Central America: Part 5. However, when a piece of shrimp is dropped in the tank, the snail thrusts its siphon up and emerges, dramatically upheaving the substrate and pouncing on the food. Bittersweets. Choose from a wide range of high quality 4K or HD videos and footage. The Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI) is a 10-year independent research program established to study the effect, and the potential associated impact, of hydrocarbon releases on the environment and public health, as well as to develop improved spill mitigation, oil detection, characterization and remediation technologies. Thats why its important to have a shell identification guide. The Junonia is more rare, and is considered a special find by beachcombers. I hope you get a chance to do some shelling I hope you find some complete ones. The Gulf of Mexico served as an essential trade route to the early native people who lived along its shores. Please try again One of the largest groups of invertebrates in the Gulf are the Mollusk what many call seashells. Softshell clams are native to the East coast but can also be found on the West coast. Click on column title to sort by that column.