image source: shellhorizons.com
© Taurus
image source: gordosbeachshack.com.au
Habitat: found from the Indian Ocean east to the northern Australian/New Zealand shores
Status: Not Listed
This fantastical shell is known as the Shinbone Tibia (Tibia fusus) but to me it looks more like a rare unicorn of the deep. This slender shell is characterized by the long, narrow, almost needle-like siphonal canal that, if found with in tact, is incredibly prized by collectors.
Most Tibia fusus live in off-shore waters where there is plenty of sand. Therefore, I’m assuming you’d have a better chance of finding a complete shell if you were diving instead of strolling casually along the beach with your eyes peeled.
Do you think these snails were inspired by unicorns… or narwhals? O_o