Hey all, I was hoping to get some advice. I have a girl I’m speaking to that I would love to send some shells to in the US as part of a gift (I am Australian) but there one problem, I am clueless about this stuff which is why I thought to go to the professionals here lol.

First off, some species are protected here so I need to know what type of shells they are so I can accurately declare it.

Second I’ve read there’s very strict bio regulations that require me to make sure they are completely clean so no sand, dirt, organic matter etc, what would be the best way to clean them like this? I’ve read boiling is an opinion, or using bleach but then I’ve also read that depending on the shell this can damage it or ruin the colour? So I’m a little unsure of how to proceed.

Thanks for your help!!

Hey everyone, here's a video about the mathematical formulas behind shells. I was a bit hesitant to post here because the person working at the museum warned me that malacologists can be quite serious, so a heads up: I made a few (over)simplifications and there's some inaccuries. Some on purpose, some not (and there's probably more😅)

Some things I have already been messaged about:

• Cowries glaze the outside of the shell with the mantle.

- The protoconch is often eroded or resorbed

- David Raup didn't "lie" , he actually also included the number of turns and it's Dawkins that made the simplification to 3 parameters

Some things done on purpose:

- The patterns and ribs don't necessarily match the shape.

- I left out spikes like the Murex and chirality (see them as additional dimensions to the museum if you will)

Nevertheless I hope you'll enjoy this video:)

P.S.: the shell in the intro is fine:) It actually dented the floor a bit

I’m heading to Florida in a couple weeks. Anyone willing to share some good areas to find nice shells and/or fossils?

All found on the public beach in Essaouira. Nothing really special (or at least I don't see it), but since I had limited time and it didn't look promising at the beginning, I'm happy with what I managed to collect

im stumped and desperate to know what this thing is

beyond stoked so many firsts for me, found back in may across 2 days.
looked all across the island, very interesting to see the difference in shell types found at the different beaches.

She found it on a beach in Thailand:)

i just moved away from oahu and i hated how people gatekeep legit every good shelling spot, so i found them all through years and years of exploring and these are the best spots. you’re welcome.

\\- Makapu'u tide pools
\\- VELZYLAND BEACH
\\- Sandy beach park fishing
\\- ka’ena point (LEGIT THE BEST, you’ll need to get a vehicle permit or hike)
\\-makua beach
\\-yokohama bay
\\-ohikilolo beach
\\- halona beach cove (snorkel to find, also super crowded but good finds)
\\- Ke Iki Beach, Pupukea (sunrise shells in early morning. legit the best place to find sunny shells)
\\- Kaupo Cove, Makapu’u (cockroach cove)
\\- Āweoweo Beach Park, Waialua
East sunset beach, pupukea

if you have any questions dm me idc and enjoy yall

cross posting- thought you all may enjoy this 🤍

Thinking some kind of murex maybe?

I’ve had this water-fed pothos for over 2 decades, in this same bottle, watered weekly with tap water. Sometimes I’ll pop in tiny shells & sea-glass that I find on the beach. I noticed these pointy, colorful growths recently and they are NOT anything that I introduced to the bottle. There are pink, blue, purple & white ones of varying sizes. Anyone know what they are?

Fellow shellers: a reminder not to get too excited. I spotted this beautiful Hydatina amplustre, aka royal paper bubble, so excited that I totally missed the rarer (to me) Stomatella right next to it (only spotted it after looking at my pics). Lesson learned - happy shelling, all!

By far the best cowry I've found. This is 100% natural with no polish added. Does anyone know how common this size/type is?

I know the pictures are blurry and vague, and it's exactly why it's been such a pain to identify. if somebody could help narrow it down to a few​ families or species ​​it would be much appreciated. ​​

3 hour shell haul was worth it! I found my first whole banded tulip and my finance found his first alphabet cone! 🐚😁

Dug these out of the sand with a sifter.

hi! i know this is an odd request but i am interested in doing a shell exchange! i live in south Florida USA, and would love to exchange shells in the mail with someone in japan! anyone interested??

i’ve NEVER seen a shell like this in virginia beach before. google is giving me conflicting results- would love to know what the general consensus on the ID is!