An exceptionally rare and beautifully preserved Phyllonotus whymani collected by me personally from the deepwater Pulley Ridge region of the Dry Tortugas aboard the F/V AVA PILAR. This species, described by Petuch & Sargent in 2011, is one of the more distinctive modern western Atlantic muricids, known for its inflated shell form, recurved varices, and delicately frilled aperture.
This specimen displays the classic characteristics that make P. whymani so desirable among advanced muricid collectors. The shell is compact yet strongly sculptured, with beautifully developed recurved varices and a proportionally low spire. Fine spiral sculpture and frosted surface texture give the shell outstanding visual depth under magnification. The coloration is especially attractive, showing soft pink-orange to orange-white tones with darker orange banding and a clean pale aperture. The frilled peristome and siphonal canal remain remarkably intact for a species collected in commercial lobster operations.
The original species description notes the shell’s inflated profile, rounded shoulder, recurved posterior varices, and roughened spiral sculpture produced by elongated spiral cords and microscopic threading. This specimen exhibits those traits exceptionally well and represents a superb example of the species from the famed Pulley Ridge fauna.
Personally collected during baited lobster trapping operations in 240–300 feet off the Dry Tortugas, Florida. Deepwater muricids from this region are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain in premium condition, particularly freshly collected specimens with strong sculpture and intact apertural frilling.
Specimen Data
Species: Phyllonotus whymani Petuch & Sargent, 2011
Family: Muricidae
Location: Pulley Ridge, Dry Tortugas, Florida
Depth: 240–300 ft
Method: Baited lobster trap
Date Collected: February 2026
Collector: Randy Rivera – F/V AVA PILAR
Size: 29.4 mm
Condition
Exceptional F++ specimen with outstanding preservation for the species. Varices, frilled lip structures, and siphonal canal remain unusually well preserved. Minor imperfections typical of trap-collected deepwater specimens may be present under magnification, but overall this is a very high-end example of a genuinely rare species.
Carefully packed and shipped with full collection data.
From the Tortugas Shell Collection — specializing in rare and scientifically important deepwater gastropods from the Dry Tortugas and Pulley Ridge region.