Title
Florida Tusk Shell (Coccodentalium carduus)
FMM2011.20.463.1
Subject
seashells, scaphopods, shell collectors
Description
Pale yellow or white or gray. Long, narrow, conical shell. Hollow. 6 count.
Mollusks in the class Scaphopoda are commonly called tusk shells due to their conical, curved shape that resembles an elephant’s tusk. Scaphopods live buried in the sand, so that only the tip sticks up in the seawater. The opening at the tip is used to exchange water and expel water. The opening at the wider, buried end contains the foot as well as captacula, thread-like tentacles used to search for food. These shells grow to 2-3 inches in length.
Mollusks in the class Scaphopoda are commonly called tusk shells due to their conical, curved shape that resembles an elephant’s tusk. Scaphopods live buried in the sand, so that only the tip sticks up in the seawater. The opening at the tip is used to exchange water and expel water. The opening at the wider, buried end contains the foot as well as captacula, thread-like tentacles used to search for food. These shells grow to 2-3 inches in length.
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