I’m excited to offer this beautiful specimen of Fasciolaria riverai, a recently described species from the Tortuga Terrace of the Dry Tortugas. This species was named after me, Captain Randy Rivera, for discovering the Tortuga Terrace fauna during my commercial lobster fishing operations aboard the F/V AVA PILAR and for providing the type material used in its description.

This particular specimen was personally collected by me in March 2026 from a baited lobster trap set in 200–240 feet off the Dry Tortugas and was personally identified by Dr. Edward J. Petuch.

Following the original description by Petuch and Berschauer, Fasciolaria riverai is distinguished by its very elongated and slender fusiform shape, elevated protracted spire, long narrow siphonal canal, and highly polished shell. The species is characterized by prominent beaded sutural cords, numerous fine spiral threads, and a delicate lightweight construction unlike any other Gulf True Tulip.

This specimen displays a beautiful orange to reddish-orange base color with lighter cream flammules and broad irregular bands wrapping around the body whorl. The elevated spire is well developed and retains the characteristic orange protoconch and early whorls that are diagnostic for the species. The sutural cords are strongly developed, and the elongated siphonal canal gives the shell the graceful profile that separates F. riverai from its closest relatives.

Condition

This is a beautiful collector-quality specimen with excellent color and outstanding overall presentation. The polished surface, elevated spire, and elongated canal are all well preserved. The siphon and outer lip exhibit minor chips consistent with commercial trap collection, but these do little to detract from the shell’s impressive appearance. Please review all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the description and accurately represent the specimen being offered.

Specimen Data

Family: Fasciolariidae
Species: Fasciolaria riverai Petuch & Berschauer, 2026
Location: Dry Tortugas, Florida
Collection Method: Personally collected in baited commercial lobster traps set in 200–240 feet of water aboard the F/V AVA PILAR.
Collection Date: March 2026
Collector: Captain Randy Rivera
Identification: Personally identified by Dr. Edward J. Petuch
Size: 203.2 mm (8.00 inches)
TSC #: 0617FAS1-TSC

Your specimen will be carefully packed and shipped with tracking to ensure it arrives safely.

Thank you for supporting Tortugas Shell Collection and helping preserve and appreciate the remarkable molluscan fauna of the Dry Tortugas and Tortuga Terrace. I take great pride in offering specimens that I have personally collected during my commercial fishing operations, and I’m honored to share this species that bears my name.