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, S. 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 shell displays a creamy white to pale pinkish-cream background overlaid with widely spaced rows of rich brown oval-to-rounded spots, including a distinctive row of larger rectangular checkers along the shoulder. The columella bears four strong plaits, while the aperture and columella exhibit a soft pale yellow-orange coloration.

This specimen displays outstanding color saturation and contrast, with crisp spotting and a glossy finish that makes it a very attractive collector example.

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: 108.5 mm (4.27”)
• TSC #: #0741VOL-TSC

Condition

A very attractive specimen with exceptional color, gloss, and well-defined spotting. The outer lip has a chip, which is reflected in the price. The four columellar plaits are complete and in perfect condition, preserving one of the key diagnostic features of the species. 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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