Many shells are endowed with perfect camouflage. The colorful
seafans off Florida are hiding places for the SIMNIA whose long
purple or yellow shells, clinging to sea fans and matching
perfectly in color, are nearly indiscernible. Other shells create
disguises as they go along. In Florida waters, a pile of dead and
broken shells may be worth investigation: XENOPHORA CONCHYLIOPHORA
("carrier shell") might be under it; it cements the old, discarded
shells to its own. Northern tide pools accommodate many kinds of
LITTORINA ("periwinkles"). These pretty little shells, in shades
from yellow to brown, are well concealed among the dimly-lit seaweed.
Along any rocky shore, limpets grow as wide as two inches but
remain hard to find. Their turtleback shells, covered with moss,
look just like rocks, and they stick so tightly to the big stones
that--even when they are seen--they can scarcely be pried loose.
Abundant on wave-washed beaches of both the North and the South
are dead shells of another perfectly camouflaged clam called
ARCA. While alive, the shells are covered with hairy, brown or
black epidermis and look like pebbles among tufts of seaweed and
marine grass.
On the West Coast, the abalone is a most typical species in
addition to being a delicious food. The bright-hued shell is widely
used for souvenirs such as ash trays and is in demand for buttons
and decorative purposes.
Most shells of interest to the collector are found in the sea--
but not all. Living forest mollusks have been found 18,000 feet
high in the Himalayas. And in this country a great variety of
mollusks live in rivers, ponds, and even hot springs. Several
species are peculiar to the Nile River. Also, species of mollusks
live on land--for example the common garden snail.
Wherever you go, be it the South Seas, a mountain lake, or the
shoals off the Gulf Coast, you'll find shells to collect and
opportunities to expand your hobby.
*Collectors should familiarize themselves with local regulations.
In some areas, such as parks and marine sanctuaries, collection
of shells and other marine organisms may be restricted or prohibited.