{"product_id":"scaphella-mercedesae-petuch-berschauer-2026-110-4-mm","title":"Scaphella mercedesae Petuch \u0026 Berschauer, 2026 – 110.4 mm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScaphella mercedesae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a recently described species endemic to the Tortuga Terrace of the Dry Tortugas. This specimen was personally collected by me in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJanuary 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e while commercial lobster fishing aboard my vessel, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eF\/V AVA PILAR\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, using a baited lobster trap set in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e180–200 feet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e of water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginally described by Dr. Edward Petuch and Dr. David Berschauer in 2026, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScaphella mercedesae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e11–13 rows of evenly spaced dark brown rounded rectangles arranged in a striking checkered pattern\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis specimen displays outstanding gloss, crisp patterning, and exceptional overall eye appeal, making it an excellent representative of this recently described species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecimen Data\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eFamily:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Volutidae\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eSpecies:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScaphella mercedesae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Petuch \u0026amp; Berschauer, 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eLocation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Tortuga Terrace, Dry Tortugas, Florida\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eMethod:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Baited lobster trap, 180–200 ft\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDate Collected:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e January 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eCollector:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Randy Rivera – F\/V AVA PILAR\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eMeasures:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 110.4 mm (4.35”)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eTSC #:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e #0532VOL-TSC\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn exceptional collector specimen with beautiful gloss, vivid contrast, and sharply defined checkered markings. The shell is in good overall condition with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ea faint growth mark on the body whorl\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and roughness on lip. The aperture is clean, and the columellar plaits are sharp and well preserved. A beautiful example of this recently described Dry Tortugas endemic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease review all photographs carefully, as they are considered part of the description and accurately represent the specimen you will receive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYour specimen will be carefully packed and shipped with tracking and includes its original Tortugas Shell Collection data label.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThank you for supporting Tortugas Shell Collection!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tortugas Shell Collection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48778982719732,"sku":"532","price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0782\/8193\/3044\/files\/IMG-6399.png?v=1782414325","url":"https:\/\/www.tortugasshellcollection.com\/products\/scaphella-mercedesae-petuch-berschauer-2026-110-4-mm","provider":"Tortugas Shell Collection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}