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Scaphella mercedesae – Dry Tortugas Volute – 95.2 mm – Recently Described
  • Scaphella mercedesae – Dry Tortugas Volute – 95.2 mm – Recently Described
  • Scaphella mercedesae – Dry Tortugas Volute – 95.2 mm – Recently Described
  • Scaphella mercedesae – Dry Tortugas Volute – 95.2 mm – Recently Described
  • Scaphella mercedesae – Dry Tortugas Volute – 95.2 mm – Recently Described
  • Scaphella mercedesae – Dry Tortugas Volute – 95.2 mm – Recently Described
  • Scaphella mercedesae – Dry Tortugas Volute – 95.2 mm – Recently Described
  • Scaphella mercedesae – Dry Tortugas Volute – 95.2 mm – Recently Described
  • Scaphella mercedesae – Dry Tortugas Volute – 95.2 mm – Recently Described
  • Scaphella mercedesae – Dry Tortugas Volute – 95.2 mm – Recently Described
  • Scaphella mercedesae – Dry Tortugas Volute – 95.2 mm – Recently Described
  • Scaphella mercedesae – Dry Tortugas Volute – 95.2 mm – Recently Described
  • Scaphella mercedesae – Dry Tortugas Volute – 95.2 mm – Recently Described
  • Scaphella mercedesae – Dry Tortugas Volute – 95.2 mm – Recently Described
  • Scaphella mercedesae – Dry Tortugas Volute – 95.2 mm – Recently Described
Scaphella mercedesae – Dry Tortugas Volute – 95.2 mm – Recently Described
$220.00

A beautiful and newly described Scaphella mercedesae Petuch & Berschauer, 2026, personally collected by me from the legendary Tortuga Terrace deep-water fauna off the Dry Tortugas aboard the F/V AVA PILAR during commercial lobstering operations.

 

This species was named in honor of my mother, making every specimen especially meaningful to me and an important part of the Tortugas Shell Collection.

 

This specimen displays the elegant elongated form and elevated spire that define Scaphella mercedesae, along with a rich orange protoconch and beautifully arranged dark chocolate-brown rectangular markings over a glossy ivory-white base. The patterning on this shell is especially clean and balanced, with strong contrast and exceptional eye appeal throughout the body whorl.

 

The shell has a sleek polished surface with a narrow aperture and soft pale yellow interior coloration. The anterior fasciole and siphonal area show attractive orange tones that complement the vivid protoconch beautifully. A very refined and classic example of this newly described Dry Tortugas endemic.

 

Collected in 260–300 feet using baited lobster traps on the famous Tortuga Terrace 

 

Specimen Data
Family: Volutidae
Species: Scaphella mercedesae Petuch & Berschauer, 2026
Location: Tortuga Terrace, Dry Tortugas, Florida
Depth: 260–300 ft
Method: Baited lobster trap
Date Collected: February 2026
Collector: Randy Rivera – F/V AVA PILAR
Size: 95.2 mm
TSC Catalog #: 00517VOL-TSC

 

Condition
F++ specimen with excellent gloss, strong pattern quality, and very attractive coloration. One small natural imperfection/growth interruption is present near the upper body whorl as shown in photos. Minor handling marks and natural trap-collected imperfections may also be present, which are typical for deep-water lobster trap collected specimens. Overall, an outstanding display specimen with exceptional visual appeal.

 

Shipping
Shell will be packed extremely carefully and shipped securely with full protection to ensure safe arrival.

 

From the Tortugas Shell Collection — professionally collected deep-water specimens from the legendary Dry Tortugas grounds.

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