Florida Rock Shell
NameFlorida Rock Shell
Scientific NameStramonita floridana
Common NameFlorida Rock Shell
FamilyMuricidae
GenusStramonita
Speciesfloridana
Geographic DistributionSoutheastern United States, particularly Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, extending north along the Atlantic coast.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)30-70 mm (typically 40-60 mm)
Identifying FeaturesRobust, somewhat heavy shell; wide, brightly colored (orange/yellow) aperture; short siphonal canal; often found on oyster reefs. The shell's surface can be nodulose or sculptured. The presence of a hermit crab in the shell is a common observation.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Conrad, 1837)
Description
The Florida Rock Shell is a robust, medium-sized predatory sea snail, often found in the intertidal and shallow subtidal zones of the southeastern United States. Its shell is typically spindle-shaped with a moderately high spire and a wide, often brightly colored aperture. The exterior is usually yellowish-brown to grayish-brown, sometimes with darker spiral bands, and can be nodulose or sculptured. This species is a significant predator of bivalves and barnacles. The specimen in the image appears to be inhabited by a hermit crab, a common occurrence for empty shells of this type.
