Beautiful and impressive Scaphella mercedesae Petuch & Berschauer, 2026, a recently described species from the deep waters of the Tortuga Terrace. This species is especially meaningful to me because it was named in honor of my mother, Mercedes Hernandez.

This specimen displays the striking pattern characteristic of the species, with bold dark brown rectangular spots over a creamy-white background and an attractive warm yellow aperture. Personally collected aboard the F/V AVA PILAR.

Specimen Data

Family: Volutidae
Species: Scaphella mercedesae
Author: Petuch & Berschauer, 2026
Location: Tortuga Terrace, Dry Tortugas, Florida
Method: Baited lobster trap
Depth: 260–300 ft
Date: November 2025
Collector: Randy D. Rivera — F/V AVA PILAR
Measurement: 111.2 mm
TSC #: 0249VOL-TSC

Condition

Beautiful specimen with strong coloration and pattern, a clean aperture, and operculum present. Some minor imperfections may be present, normal for deep-water trap-collected specimens. Please examine photos carefully for exact condition.

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Tortugas Shell Collection

A recently described deep-water species personally collected from the Tortuga Terrace. Scaphella mercedesae was named after my mother, Mercedes Hernandez, making this species especially significant to the Tortugas Shell Collection.