hi....i just moved to southwest florida and have really started to enjoy foraging for shells every time we have an outing...i get bored with what everyone else is doing and i love to collect...even the smallest, tiniest shells amaze me in their form and color.  since i have just started, please bear with me as i have no knowledge of shells and hope to find that knowledge here.  i will start with a few i found...although they look familiar, i have no idea what genus/species they are.  thank
you so much for this messaging blog and for what you do!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/netteblo/100_0492.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/netteblo/100_0490.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/netteblo/100_0478.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/netteblo/100_0483.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/netteblo/100_0480.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/netteblo/100_0477.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/netteblo/100_0466.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/netteblo/100_0463.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/netteblo/100_0467.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/netteblo/100_0470.jpg

annette blocker

Hi Annette,

I can ID most of these for you ...

0492 - This is a Crepidula, or Slipper Shell. I believe it is Crepidula fornicata, the Common Atlantic Slipper Shell, but would have to see the other side to be certain.

0490 - Fasciolaria tulipa, the True Tulip Shell or Common Tulip Shell

0478 - Strombus alatus, the Florida Fighting Conch

0483 - An Oyster, genus Ostrea, species uncertain, probably Ostrea equestris, the Crested Oyster

0480 - Trachycardium egmontianum, the Prickly Cockle

0477 - A very beachworn piece of coral, no way to identify the species

0466 - Lightning Whelk, Busycon contrarium is the traditional name but some authors believe it should now be called Busycon sinistrum

0463 - Arca zebra, the Turkey Wing shell

0467 and 0470 - picture quality is not good enough to ID the shells

Thank you Paul for identifying these humble shells for me...as I learn which shells are what I will be able to know when I discover something phenominal, although I love the shells that are worn and not perfect...shows they have had some lifes journey, you know. I also love the small, perfect ones....it demands that you become intimate with them in order to observe their beauty...somewhat like a miniature painting would.
Oh, by the way, the last two pictures where difficult to capture as the shell was less than 1/2" and very deep...maybe I can get a better shot next time.  I am going out on the boat tomorrow to where the Gulf meets a shoal inlet off the river...I have heard there are pools of shells embedded there...it will be a glorious time for me!!!  Thank you again...nettieb