 |
SPECIMEN SHELLS HIGHEST QUALITY AT FANTASTIC PRICES
specimen shells are graded by using the HMS-ISGS Shell Grading Standards.
Standards were first published in the Hawaiian Shell News in 9/1977.
Gem This is a perfect shell with no visable flaws.
Fine. An adult shell with only minor flaws and not more than one shallow growth mark. Must have original color and gloss. No repairs can be made to the shell.
Good. An acceptable shell with a few minor defects. Such as growth marks, broken spines or chips. The shell must display the characteristics of the species.
Commercial Shells not exhibiting the characteristics of the specimen. Shell may be faded, many flaws and growth marks. These shells are not exceptable as specimen shells and questionable for mail order.
- Shells-of Aquarius sells only Fine grade, we do not offer Gems.
VENUS COMB AND VENUS FLOWER BASKET COLLECTOR SHELLS SIZES AND PRICES. FIRST PICTURE ABOVE THIS TEXT IS THE SPINE COVERED VENUS COMB AND THE FLOWER BASKET IS THE CLOSEST TO THIS TEXT
The Venus Comb is actually a Murex shell. They grow spines as a defense against predatory fish. The Venus Comb ranges from the East Indian Ocean, across the Indo-Pacific to the coast of Japan. They like sandy bottom ocean floor away from the coastline. They generally grow to be about 6 inches.
One Venus Comb specimen shell 2 to 3 7/8 inches...... OUT OF STOCK
One Venus Comb specimen shell 4 to 4 7/8 inches......$5.95
One Venus Comb specimen shell 5 to 6 inches......$6.35
VENUS FLOWER BASKET is related to the sponge family. They are found in similar waters as the Venus Comb.
One Venus Flower Basket 7 to 8 inches......OUT OF STOCK
EPITONIUM SCALARE SPECIMEN SHELL
The Epitonium Scalare sometimes called Wentletraps gets its name from the Dutch word for winding staircase.
Most Wentletraps are thin and white. Our specimen are pale pink or beige, with white ribs.
Epitonium Scalare were once rare, but better diving equipment is making them more common today. The Wentletraps are found along the Indo-Pacific water way. This region stretches from East Africa Eastward across Indonesia to the Northern shores of Australia.. Epitonium Scalare are mostly intertidal creatures living on sandy bottoms, amoung sea anemomes.
One Epitonium Scalare shell 1 to 2 inches......$6.65
GUILDFORDIA YOKA SPECIMEN SHELL
The Guildfordia Yoka also called the Japanese sea star belong to the Turbanidae family of shells. These are moderately thick shells but light weight.
The specimen belongs to the top shaped shell group but is flat. They have 8 or 9 spines projecting from the shell whorl (one complete turn of the tube of a single shell mollusk around its imaginary axis). The color of the top shell is a copper to dark pink; while underneath it is a creamy white.
Guildfordia Yoka are found from waters surrounding Japan through the Indo-Pacific region from Australia westward to East African shores. Most species live in subtidal areas with rocky sea bottoms. However, some have been found in deep water. Average size 1 inch. Some grow 2 to 2 1/2 inches.
One Guidfordia Yoka shell 2 to 3 inches......$2.10
SPECIMEN SHELL FINE QUALIFY MUREX MIYOKOAE
One specimen shell Murex Miyokoae 2 + inches.......$42
Murex Saulii specimen shell.
- Murex shells are colorful with many varieties of frills. The Murex Saulii is popular for both color and frills. You can see this in the example picture. Murex's are heavy shells with a few light and fragile. This specimen is from the Indo-Pacific region. Most murex shells prefer tropical seas and stay close to reefs, where they prey on invertebrates.
One Murex Saulii specimen shell 2 1/2 to 3 inches......$35
|
|
