There are over 250 known species living in warm sea areas for the sea shell. Cowries live under rocks and feed on algae at night. The exterior of the shell is smooth and highly polished. This is because the sea shell animal has a covering called a mantle, which wraps around the entire shell. Each animal’s mantle is brilliantly colored and is often more interesting than the shell itself. The sea shell mantle actually has finger-like projections all over it making the shell look like a sponge. When the mantle is touched, the animal withdraws, exposing the shell underneath. This natural sea shell camouflage is what makes cowries some of the hardest shells to find. Interesting Facts: During the Roman period, cowries were known as Portcullis, meaning little sea shell pigs. The name was later lengthened to Percolate. When fine pottery was introduced to European society from the Far East, the shape of these new items reminded people of the Percolate shells. Thus, the term porcelain was given to the pottery. In some countries, the cowry shell represents fertility, and is given to brides to guarantee offspring and provide a safe delivery. In other countries, it was believed that the shell protected against the evil eye. They were also attached to fishing nets to promise a good catch or if not a great sea shell. The golden cowries from the Fiji and Solomon Islands is a symbol of power and rank for chieftains. Cowries have also been used in art, as money, jewelry and as religious symbols since the beginning of man. Nicknamed the sea ears, the Abalone’s flattened, oval shape with iridescent interior can reach up to one foot in length. The animal uses the small holes for exhaling water. The many types of Abalone shells are found on rocks near the shores of all warm waters with the exception of the western Atlantic Ocean there is hard to find a sea shell. The thick muscle, or foot, of the animal is edible and sold as a delicacy in many countries. Most of the abalone meat is exported to Asia. Interesting Facts: The Papua Shell or Rainbow Abalone of New Zealand is primarily used in jewelry making as well as inlays on furniture and guitars. Ark Shells number about 200 sea shell species and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The outer skin of the Ark Shell acts as a camouflage matching the surroundings of its environment. The sea shell actually look like stones when lying on the bottom of the water. Ark shells are commonly used as bait as well as food throughout the Caribbean. Our Shell Assortments are a great way to buy large quantities of seashells at a low price and get a large variety of shells to boot!
These long, slender and smooth shells feature many whorls and color variations. Augers are carnivores and dwell in the sands of warm waters. There are 270 species in this family. Some Auger shells have barbed regular teeth and secrete a mild poison to subdue their prey. Once paralyzed, their victim is consumed whole. Their most deadly enemy is the sand dwelling box crab. The crab uses its pincers to clip back the thick lip of the shell to get at the soft animal inside. Interesting Facts: On many islands augers were attached to sticks for weapons and many are still used as darts for blow guns.
This group is usually found in muddy or brackish waters near mangroves in tropical sea shell regions. The are carnivorous and normally feed on oysters and clams. Our collection of seashell display stands are a great way to showcase your seashell collection.

Discover more about sea shell