Here’s the first installment of what I like to call: Ze Shell Showcase. Snails really don’t get enough credit for the spectacular designs they employ to create their will-travel homes. The first one I’ve chosen to give the spotlight to is the Venus Comb Murex (Murex pecten) which looks exactly what I would imagine a mermaid using to comb her hair with. Gotta get that ‘do just right, after all!
The Venus Comb is a large species of predatory sea snail that has a wicked shell. It’s decked out in over one hundred spines, which provide protection for the snail and, in addition, prevent it from sinking into soft sandy mud. Like other murex snails, this ferocious little fella likes to eat other mollusks. These shells reach a length between 10 and 15 cm in length.
What do you think? Is this the start of something shell-shockingly great?