Named in honor of my mother, Mercedes Rojas Hernandez, Scaphella mercedesae is a recently described species endemic to the Tortuga Terrace of the Dry Tortugas. This specimen was personally collected by me in February 2026 while commercial lobster fishing aboard my vessel, F/V AVA PILAR, using a baited lobster trap set in 260–300 feet of water.

Originally described by Dr. Edward Petuch and Dr. David Berschauer in 2026, Scaphella mercedesae is characterized by its smooth, highly polished shell averaging about 110 mm in length. The shell is proportionally narrow and elongated with a rounded, gently sloping shoulder, elevated protracted spire, and straight sides. The glossy white base is decorated with 11–13 rows of evenly spaced dark brown rounded rectangles arranged in a striking checkered pattern, with elongated rectangular markings along the shoulder. The aperture is uniformly narrow with a pale yellow-orange interior, while the columella bears four large, evenly spaced pale orange plaits. The protoconch is large, bulbous, and dark orange-brown, and the first postnuclear whorl is sculptured with fine longitudinal ribs and spiral cords.

This specimen exhibits excellent gloss, attractive coloration, and bold checkered markings, making it a beautiful representative of this recently described species.

Specimen Data

• Family: Volutidae
• Species: Scaphella mercedesae Petuch & Berschauer, 2026
• Location: Tortuga Terrace, Dry Tortugas, Florida
• Method: Baited lobster trap, 260–300 ft
• Date Collected: February 2026
• Collector: Randy Rivera – F/V AVA PILAR
• Measures: 105.7 mm (4.16”)
• TSC #: #0518VOL-TSC

Condition

A very attractive collector specimen with excellent gloss and strong, well-defined checkered patterning. The shell has light growth marks on the body whorl and spire, which are reflected in the price, but remains structurally sound with sharp, intact columellar plaits and a clean aperture. Overall, it displays beautifully and would make an excellent addition to any collection.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they are considered part of the description and accurately represent the specimen you will receive.

Your specimen will be carefully packed and shipped with tracking and includes its original Tortugas Shell Collection data label.

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