Exceptional deep-water Phyllonotus whymani collected by me from the legendary Pulley Ridge region of the Dry Tortugas. This species is one of the more distinctive modern muricids from the Florida Keys deep-water lobster grounds, known for its inflated form, recurved varices, and finely sculptured spiral cords that create a frosted appearance under magnification.
This specimen displays a beautiful orange-white coloration with darker orange-brown banding crossing the body whorl and siphonal canal. The shell carries the characteristic rounded inflated body shape described in the original taxa, along with a proportionally reduced spire and heavily textured sculpture. The aperture is well formed with strong peristomal dentition, while the canal shows the elegant curved profile typical of the species.
Collected personally during commercial lobstering operations aboard the F/V AVA PILAR using baited lobster traps set in 240–300 feet of water off the Dry Tortugas. These shells are rarely encountered in this quality and are highly sought after by collectors specializing in modern western Atlantic muricids and Pulley Ridge material.
The original description by Petuch & Sargent (2011) noted Phyllonotus whymani as differing from the shallow-water P. pomum by its smaller inflated shell, reduced spiral sculpture, rounded varices, and smaller adherent parietal shield — all traits visible in this specimen.
Specimen Data
Family: Muricidae
Species: Phyllonotus whymani Petuch & Sargent, 2011
Location: Pulley Ridge, Dry Tortugas, Florida
Method: Baited lobster trap, 240–300 ft
Date Collected: February 2026
Collector: Randy Rivera – F/V AVA PILAR
Size: 30.4 mm
TSC Catalog #: #0577MUR
Condition
Fine collector specimen with strong sculpture, intact siphonal canal, and attractive coloration. Minor natural imperfections and trap wear are present, consistent with deep-water lobster trap collected material.
Shell will be carefully packed and shipped secure for safe arrival.
From the Tortugas Shell Collection — personally collected deep-water material from the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas commercial lobster grounds.