I got this shell about 20 years ago from my Aunt, who said that her husband brought it back from Australia in the 1930's. It's very large (approx. 13" in lenght and 10" at the widest part). I think that i'ts in the Cypraea family? Any help would be greatly appreciated

www.flantique.badongo.com/album

Dan   dan_fitzgerald@earthlink.net

Hi Dan,

If it's 13" in length it's not a Cypraea. The largest Cypraea reach only half that size. I'm betting it's a Melo, a member of the Volute family. Unfortunately there seems to be a problem with your link. It takes me to the badongo website but not to your image. Can you correct the URL if you see a problem with it - or email the image to me and I can repost it elsewhere.  PaulCyp@cox.net

Hi Dan,

Thanks for sending the pics. Here are a couple of them:

http://members.cox.net/natura/Cassis1.jpg

http://members.cox.net/natura/Cassis2.jpg

I guessed wrong. It's not a Melo. Melo came to mind because they are round and shiny kind of like Cypraea, large, and common in Australia. But ... this shell didn't come from Australia, not originally at least. This is Cassis madagascariensis, the Emperor Helmet.  It is found from the southeastern United States through the central Caribbean area.

Paul.

Thank you so much for your time and assistance.

Dan