This beautiful specimen of Scaphella elizabethae was personally collected by me in March 2026 while commercial lobster fishing on Pulley Ridge, west of the Dry Tortugas. It was recovered in a baited lobster trap set in 200–220 feet aboard my vessel, F/V AVA PILAR.
Originally described by Dr. Edward Petuch and Dr. Richard Sargent in 2011, Scaphella elizabethae is characterized by its thin yet inflated, elongate-fusiform shell with a smooth, glossy surface, a well-developed slightly angled shoulder, an elevated suprapyramidal spire, and a proportionally wide aperture. The first three postnuclear whorls bear 20–24 faint longitudinal ribs that fade on later whorls. The columella has four strong plaits, while the shell displays a creamy white to pale pinkish-cream background overlaid with 7–13 rows of widely spaced light brown oval-to-rounded spots. A single row of large rectangular checkers along the shoulder and the pale yellow-orange aperture complete the distinctive appearance of this elegant Dry Tortugas endemic.
This specimen is a very attractive example with exceptional gloss, bold contrast, and beautifully spaced spotting that closely reflects the original description of the species.
Specimen Data
- Family: Volutidae
- Species: Scaphella elizabethae Petuch & Sargent, 2011
- Location: Pulley Ridge, Dry Tortugas, Florida
- Method: Baited lobster trap, 200–220 ft
- Date Collected: March 2026
- Collector: Randy Rivera – F/V AVA PILAR
- Measures: 104.4 mm (4.11”)
- TSC #: #0728VOL-TSC
Condition
A beautiful collector-quality specimen with outstanding color, excellent gloss, and crisp, well-defined spotting. The shell presents very well overall, with only a minor chip on the lip that does not detract from its display value. The columellar plaits are complete and well preserved. Please review all photos carefully, as they are an important part of the description.
Your specimen will be carefully packed and shipped with tracking and includes its original Tortugas Shell Collection data label.
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