The Nature Company - Royal Thorny Oyster Seashell 5"

Royal Thorny Oyster Shell 5" to end of spines True Collectors Shell

Thorny oysters, Family Spondylidae Although resembling oysters, the Thorny Oysters or Chrysanthemum shells are more closely related to the scallops. The “ball and socket” hinge is characteristic. Marine growths on the long spines offer camouflage. Great variation in shape, colors and spines makes identification of the two dozen or more species difficult.

This specimen is Spondylus regius, or Royal Thorny Oyster, from the Western Pacific. Spondylus regius are quite rare in this size. They are rather similar in shape to some forms of S. Americanus. Specimens with valves that are small to medium in size usually have longer spines that those with very large and greatly inflated valves. Between the widely spaced ribs bearing long spines are numerous scabrous or finely spined radial ridges. Most shells are a pinkish brown. Orange shells are uncommon.