A museum-scale specimen of Fasciolaria riverai—a recently described deepwater species from the Dry Tortugas and a standout within the modern Tortugas fauna.

At 247.6 mm, this is a giant, commanding fasciolariid, showing an elongated, powerful profile with a high spire and extended siphonal canal. The shell exhibits rich chestnut and cream banding, with intricate patterning and strong growth structure that reflects its deepwater origin.

The surface displays excellent natural texture and weight, with well-defined sculpture and a solid, mature build. The aperture is broad and clean, with natural interior coloration consistent with freshly collected deepwater material.

What elevates this specimen beyond size and beauty is its identity:

The species Fasciolaria riverai was named in honor of the collector—Randy Rivera.

That connection places this shell in a different category—it is a named-species, discovery-linked specimen, directly tied to the individual responsible for its collection and recognition.

Collected aboard the F/V AVA PILAR, this piece represents the ongoing discovery of new taxa from the Tortugas deepwater fishery, one of the most important modern U.S. shell-producing regions.

SPECIMEN DATA:

Family: Fasciolariidae
Species: Fasciolaria riverai
Author: Petuch & Berschauer, 2026
Location: Dry Tortugas, FL
Method: Baited lobster trap, 200–240 ft
Date: February 2026
Collector: Randy Rivera – F/V AVA PILAR
Size: 247.6 mm
TSC Registration: #0614FAS-TSC

CONDITION:

Large, solid specimen with excellent structural integrity.
Natural wear consistent with deepwater collection. Displays extremely well.

SHIPPING:

Professionally packed with care due to size and weight.

TORTUGAS SHELL COLLECTION:

All specimens are personally collected in the Dry Tortugas, never imported. Each shell is fully documented and part of an active offshore collection.