Shark's Eye, also known as Atlantic Moon Snail
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Littorinimorpha, Family: Naticidae, Genus: Neverita, Species: Neverita duplicata · Naticidae (Moon Snail family) · Gastropod (snail/univalve), whole shell with a low, rounded spiral shape and distinctive umbilical callus.
Species
Euspira lewisii or Neverita duplicata (likely Neverita duplicata due to the closed umbilicus plug, commonly known as the Shark's Eye)
Shell Type
Gastropod (snail/univalve), whole shell with a low, rounded spiral shape and distinctive umbilical callus.
Family
Naticidae (Moon Snail family)
Size
Approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, which is medium-sized for this species. Adults typically range from 1 to 3 inches.
Color & Pattern
Uniform creamy-white to light gray with subtle growth lines. The color is completely sun-bleached and worn, typical of beach-cast specimens. The interior and umbilical region show matching off-white tones without the characteristic dark brown central plug, likely worn away or missing.
Rarity
Very Common, frequently encountered as beach-cast specimens along sandy shores and barrier islands.
Habitat
Found in shallow subtidal and intertidal zones, typically burrowing beneath the surface of sandy bottoms, sandbars, and mudflats in marine environments.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico, including the Caribbean and parts of South America.
Description
A smooth, globose, and compact shell with a low spire and a large, rounded body whorl. The surface features fine, microscopic growth lines rather than heavy sculpture. The aperture is large and semi-circular, with a polished interior and a distinctive sunken umbilicus partially concealed by a callus.
Key Features
Globular shape, low spire, smooth glossy surface when fresh, large rounded body whorl, and a characteristic umbilicus area on the base.
Collector Value
Low to negligible commercial value due to high abundance and beach-worn condition. It is a classic beginner beachcombing find rather than a prized collector specimen.
Condition Notes
Fair condition; the shell is completely bleached white with significant wear, minor chipping around the aperture lip, and loss of the original glossy finish. Collectibility grade is Fair.
Interesting Facts
Moon snails are famous predatory gastropods that drill perfectly round, bevel-edged holes into the shells of other bivalves using a combination of acidic secretions and their radula to access the soft tissue inside.
Ecological Role
Acts as an apex predatory snail in benthic sandy ecosystems, helping to control bivalve populations. They serve as food for larger marine animals and seabirds.
Similar Species
Natica species or other moon snails, distinguished primarily by umbilical callus structure, size, and original color patterns such as spiral bands or spots.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along high-tide lines on sandy beaches, especially after storms or heavy wave action. Search in sandy tidal flats during extreme low tides.