Venus Comb Shell
Murex pecten The Venus Comb Shell
I always imagined that this shell would move with the larger end in the foreground being the front, however I saw a video of the living sea snail gliding beneath this shell , with the narrow end being the front. Therefore the shell is definitely the animal's defence against predators, and after accidentally standing on one of these shells in bare feet, can tell you the spines are needle sharp and incredibly strong. I was able to pull the shell out of the bottom of my foot and not a spine had broken. So, as well as being very decorative, the shell serves it's purpose well.
Venus Comb Shell
Murex pecten The Venus Comb Shell
I always imagined that this shell would move with the larger end in the foreground being the front, however I saw a video of the living sea snail gliding beneath this shell , with the narrow end being the front. Therefore the shell is definitely the animal's defence against predators, and after accidentally standing on one of these shells in bare feet, can tell you the spines are needle sharp and incredibly strong. I was able to pull the shell out of the bottom of my foot and not a spine had broken. So, as well as being very decorative, the shell serves it's purpose well.