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Home/Island Living/Shelling/7 Common and 7 Rare Shells on Sanibel

7 Common and 7 Rare Shells on Sanibel

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Whether you’re a casual sheller or avid shell-seeker-extraordinaire, we thought you’d enjoy this guide that includes several of the most common and most rare shells on Sanibel Island. 

Sanibel Shells – Creative Commons – Roberto Arias

7 Most Common Sanibel Shells

Scallop Shells

You’ve seen these white scallop shells. They cover the beaches on Sanibel! There are multiple shells that fall under this category, including the Transverse Ark and Ponderous Ark, which look similar, but are in fact different shell-types. 

Scallop Shells – Wikimedia Commons

Conch Shells

Again, there are many different types of conch. The ones more commonly found on the beaches of Sanibel are the smaller fighting conch shells (small and wide), the kings crown conch (more spikes on crown), and the horse conch (slim spiral body) which I read might not actually be a part of the true conch family. 

Fighting Conch – Wikimedia Commons

Worm Snails

Speaking of spirals, worm snails take the cake! I’ve always loved finding these unique-looking spiral shells that pop-out amongst the dozens of scallop shells. 

Worm Shells – Wikimedia Commons

Cockle Shells

It has a somewhat similar look as a scallop, but the cockle is its own species. Actually, I read that it’s more rare in other parts of the world, even though we have a plethora on our beaches! 

Cockle Shell – Wikimedia Commons

Coquina Shell

Such a fun shell name to say! These little shells are sometimes found with both halves still together, which sort of resemble angle wings (though that’s a different shell). They are shiny, and can be different colors and even different patterns. 

Coquina Shell Variation – Wikimedia Commons

Cerith Shell

These remind me a bit of the worm snail shells, but are shaped more like a cone or horn than a spiral. The Cerith has a similar look as the Boring Turret and Auger shell as well!

Cerith Shells – Wikimedia Commons

Olive Shells

Smooth as olives! Okay maybe that has nothing to do with olives. But the shell’s family name is Olividae. Check out the different growth stages of the olive shells below. 

Olive Shell Growth Stages – Wikimedia Commons

7 Most Rare Sanibel Shells

Junonia Shell

Of course this at the top of the list. We all know how unique of a find the Junonia shell can be. It’s a special treat for any sheller who finds a Junonia! 

Junonia Sell Display – Bailey Matthews Shell Museum

Lion’s Paw Scallop Shell

You’ve likely found a few Kitten’s Paws, which have a similar look but are a much smaller shell. The Lion’s Paw is large and usually a vibrant red or orange color. 

Lion’s Paw Shell – Wikimedia Commons

Wentletraps Shells 

These snail shells are sometimes called “staircase shells”, and “ladder shells”. In Dutch, Wenteltrap means spiral staircase. This would be a rare find on our beaches. 

Wenteltrap Shell – Wikimedia Commons

Scotch Bonnet Shell

A true beauty! As you can see in the image below, this shell has a unique and gorgorious profile from all angles. 

Scotch Bonnet – Wikimedia Commons

Murex Shells

While maybe the Murex family of shells aren’t an extremely rare shell on Sanibel, they are very fragile shells, and therefore, hard to find a full-sized shell in good condition.  The Murex Pecten, pictured below, is extremely fragile. While other’s in the family, like the Apple Murex, has a stronger shell.

Murex Pecten – Wikimedia Commons

Turkey Wing Shells

Alright I had to do some research to find a few other rare shells, and I fell in love with the Turkey Wing Shell! It’s very festive and fitting for the Fall season too. I’m not sure what I like more, the oblong shape or the zebra stripes. 

Turkey Wing – Wikimedia Commons

Cowrie Shells

Cowrie shells have a unique oval look to them with an opening at the bottom that curves in – making one very smooth shell. In fact, small cowrie shells are used as jewelry, since they’re so smooth. Look at the size a color variation of the Cowries shell family!

Various Sized Cowries – Wikimedia Commons

But wait there’s more!

You all know of Pam Rambo and the iLoveShelling blog. Well, she has an article that lists six shells on Sanibel that are unique but can certainly be tracked down within a week’s vacation on Sanibel. She calls them the Sanibel Six. Click here to read her blog. 

Click here to see all of our shell-related articles.

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Written by: Susan McCallion

Tagged With: activities, local knowledge, shelling Filed Under: Island Living, Shelling

About Susan McCallion

Susan was exposed to real estate while young with her parent's 8 Re/MAX offices in Connecticut! In 2008, Susan and Jim became permanent Sanibel residents, starting McCallion & McCallion to bring a fresh approach to real estate.

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