A beautiful deep-water specimen of Naria acicularis personally collected from Pulley Ridge, northwest of the Dry Tortugas, Florida. This attractive cowrie displays rich golden-yellow coloration with fine spotting throughout the dorsum and excellent natural gloss. The shell retains outstanding color and luster, making it a desirable example of this increasingly sought-after species.

Collected in deep water using baited lobster traps aboard the F/V AVA PILAR, this specimen represents a unique opportunity to own a shell from one of the Gulf of Mexico’s most productive deep-water habitats.

Specimen Data

Family: Cypraeidae
Species: Naria acicularis (Gmelin, 1791)
Location: Pulley Ridge, Dry Tortugas, Florida
Method: Baited lobster trap, 240–300 feet
Date: February 2026
Collector: Randy Rivera – F/V AVA PILAR
Measures: 19.8 mm
TSC #: 0607CYP-TSC

Condition

An excellent specimen with outstanding gloss, strong coloration, and well-defined spotting. The shell presents beautifully and would make an excellent addition to any Florida, Gulf of Mexico, or cowrie collection.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they are part of the description and condition assessment.

Grade: F++**

Collector Notes

Naria acicularis is a desirable deep-water cowrie that is not commonly encountered in quantity. Specimens collected from Pulley Ridge and the Dry Tortugas region can be difficult to obtain, particularly examples displaying strong color and excellent preservation such as this one. Personally collected specimens from these depths are seldom offered.

Shipping

Your specimen will be carefully packed and shipped with tracking to ensure safe arrival.

Tortugas Shell Collection – Rare and unusual shells from the Gulf of Mexico and beyond.