| 'Thorny oysters' are not related to true oysters. The huge Hinnites of western American waters is in the scallop family and may weigh up to 20 lbs. The thorny oysters of the family Spondylidae have a typical ball-and-socket hinge joint and develop long spines. They occur in deep water, usually in the tropics, and have a
thick, varied color pattern. These fairly common bivalves are sometimes called chrysanthemum shells. | A beautiful shell from the South Pacific, it is a close relative to the triton shells and have similar characteristics. The name "Frog Shell" is derived from the knobby sculpture of most species, which resembles the warty skin of frogs. A collector's favorite. | The Murex are one of the most beautiful family of shells in the world. Noted for their unique shape and curving spines. The Mollusk is carnivorous and typically feeds on bivalves, shrimp, and sponge among other creatures of similar size. Live, they can be found in sand or mud flats, and on coral reefs. |