Exceptional specimen of the recently described Chicoreus riverai Petuch & Berschauer, 2026, a rare deep-water muricid species from the Pulley Ridge/Tortuga Terrace fauna of the Dry Tortugas. This species was named in honor of Captain Randy Rivera and represents one of the most distinctive newly described muricids from the region.
This outstanding specimen displays a beautiful creamy white to peach-orange coloration with a rich orange apex, elongated canal, and extremely delicate frondose varices. The expanded wings and sharp sculpturing give the shell remarkable symmetry and eye appeal. A particularly elegant specimen with exceptional preservation for such a fragile species.
Personally collected by me during commercial lobstering operations using baited lobster traps in 240–300 feet. Due to the fragile nature of the extended fronds and deep-water habitat, high-grade examples are rarely encountered in this condition.
Specimen Data
Species: Chicoreus riverai
Family: Muricidae
Author: Petuch & Berschauer, 2026
Location: Pulley Ridge, Dry Tortugas, Florida
Depth: 240–300 ft
Method: Baited lobster trap
Collector: Randy Rivera / F/V Ava Pilar
Date Collected: March 2026
Size: 33.4 mm
Condition
F+++ specimen with exceptional frond development, strong symmetry, intact canal, crisp sculpture, and superb overall presentation. Outstanding condition for this rare newly described species.
Shipping
Shell will be professionally packed with extreme care to protect delicate fronds and spines during transit. Combined shipping available on multiple purchases.
Tortugas Shell Collection
Personally collected deep-water specimens from the Dry Tortugas and Pulley Ridge region specializing in rare and newly described mollusks from the Gulf and Caribbean.