Pheasant Shell
NamePheasant Shell
Scientific NamePhasianella ventricosa
Common NamePheasant Shell
FamilyPhasianellidae
GenusPhasianella
Speciesventricosa
Geographic DistributionPort Jackson, Australia (based on the specimen label). Generally found in temperate Australian waters.
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)25
Identifying FeaturesSmooth, glossy, and often brightly colored shell with highly variable patterns. Turbinate to conical shape with a wide, ovate aperture. A key family feature, though not visible here, is a thick, calcareous, white operculum.
Raritycommon
Author CitationSwainson, 1822
Description
The image displays two specimens of a Pheasant Shell, identified as Phasianella ventricosa. These are marine gastropod shells, characterized by their turbinate to conical shape and smooth, glossy surface. One shell is largely intact, showing a wide, ovate aperture and a somewhat eroded apex. The other shell appears to be a fragment or a more heavily damaged specimen, showing the interior of the aperture. The shells exhibit mottled patterns of cream, grey, and reddish-brown, though the colors appear somewhat faded. They are presented alongside collection labels providing taxonomic and locality information.
