alainaflute
Greg
Jody
E.G.D.Shark Eyes, “Here’s looking at you, kid.”
Posted by Jody on April 5, 2012
Shark Eye -Neverita duplicata- found on Sanibel Island, Florida
Our best shark eye! Isn’t she a beaut?
Shark Eyes
Skark eyes (Neverita duplicata) are members of the moon snail family (Naticidae). These beautiful, smooth, dome-shaped shells can grow up to 3, even 3 ½” high. Usually a light brown to grey color, the tips (apexes) of the shells often sport a darker purple-blueish cast, giving the appearance of an eye — hence the name. This makes these beautiful beach treasures rather easy to identify. How lucky for us!
Shark eyes can be found along the Atlantic coast of the US from Massachusetts to Florida and to the states along the Gulf of Mexico. They live from the sandy shore to just below the low tide line. Predatory marine snails, they feed on bivalves (e.g., clams). These beauties are actually a very common beachcombing find throughout their range. We found our best specimens on the Gulf shores of Sanibel Island, Florida.
Sanibel is a family favorite destination for us! Just one visit to this idyllic, white sand isle escape and you’ll understand exactly why Arthur Frommer, himself, listed Sanibel Island as #1 on the list of his Top 10 Favorite Travel Destinations in 2011!
Low Tide at Sunrise on Sanibel Island, Florida
Sanibel Island, along with it’s neighbor to the north, Captiva Island, is a true beachcombers paradise. The Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce proudly boasts, “Our islands provide for the perfect vacations. Enjoy 15 miles of unspoiled beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, 50 types of fish, 230 types of birds, 250 types of shells and 0 stop lights.”
Here are a couple of other posts you might be interested in: Sanibel Island, Florida: A Beachcomber’s Paradise, Beachcombing? Shelling Regulations Abound. Know Before You Go! And, one more very useful link: The Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce.
Happy beachcombing!
Greg said
Definitely one of my favorite spots!
Jody said
& definitely one of my favorite shells!
E.G.D. said
Of course, if you find one of these, don’t forget to look to see if a hermit crab has moved in!!! They seem to be popular on the hermit crab real estate market.
Jody said
A very good reminder!