Venus Comb Shell

So named after the Roman Goddess who was said to comb her hair with this unusual shell.

 

Resembling the skeleton of a fish, no one knows the exact reason for the needle-like spines of this mollusc. Scientists have theorized that the spines are a protection against fish and other molluscs, and that the spines prevent it from sinking into the soft, sandy mud where it is commonly found. (Murex Pecten). Common to the Indo-Pacific region.

 

 

Size: 8-9cm long approx