Hello,

I'm new here so let me introduce myself. I just move from France to New Caledonia. I felt in love with Sea shells I saw in Noumea's shops. So I decided to find some by myself.

There are the first ones I found yesterday. As I don't have any books yet (some are in their way) could you please help me indentify them ?



http://picasaweb.google.com/sheyser/Coquillages/photo#5191285378439012306

http://picasaweb.google.com/sheyser/Coquillages/photo#5191285610367246306

I was going for Cones but didn't find any. Have you got some hints to find cones ? I don't ask for location but only tips on where to search (sand, corail, etc).

Thanks for all,
Sylvain

Hello Sylvain,

Welcome!

These appear to be Cypraea clandestina (Clandestine Cowrie) on the left in the upper photo, and also in the lower photo; and Cypraea errones (Wandering Cowrie) on the right in the upper photo. Both very common Cypraea species. Hopefully you do know that some cone species are dangerous, even potentially deadly?  So you will take appropriate precautions in collecting live specimens!  

--Last edited by Paul Monfils on 2008-04-21 07:03:52 --

Thanks for the identification. Sure they are commun as I found more of them but only take 2 at home. I let the others under their rock in the sea.

I have read some article about cones being dangerous so I have bought diving gloves and shoes. I have read too that they can be find in the sand but I wonder if there is any way to know where to dig.

Sylvain

Bonjour Sylvain,

Je connais bien la Calédonie. J'y ai fait 2 séjours chez des amis collectionneurs lorsque je vivais il y a peu à Tahiti.
Là je suis rentré en Métropole. Nous allons repartir vivre dans les DOM-TOM. Soit en Calédonie, soit à la Martinique.
Si tu veux des conseils sur les coquillages de NC, écris-moi à info@seashell-collector.com, on pourra en discuter tranquillement.

@+++
DAVID