Lined Tellin or similar tellin shell
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Bivalvia, Order: Cardiida, Family: Tellinidae, Genus: Tellina, Species: Tellina radiata · Tellinidae (Tellin family) · Bivalve (two-shelled), oval to elongate shape, single valve visible
Species
Tellina radiata (or related tellin species)
Shell Type
Bivalve (two-shelled), oval to elongate shape, single valve visible
Family
Tellinidae (Tellin family)
Size
Approximately 0.75 to 1 inch, typical of smaller beached specimens or specific tellin species, with adults normally ranging from 1 to 2 inches.
Color & Pattern
Whitish to pale pinkish background featuring distinct reddish-pink radial bands or stripes extending from the umbo toward the margin. Colors appear mostly natural with some minor surface wear.
Rarity
Common, frequently found by beachcombers in appropriate tropical and subtropical regions.
Habitat
Shallow marine waters, typically buried in clean sand or muddy sand flats in the intertidal to shallow subtidal zones.
Geographic Range
Warm waters of the Western Atlantic, including the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and down to South America.
Description
A delicate, smooth, and glossy bivalve shell featuring a flattened, elongated oval profile. The exterior displays attractive radial color bands against a lighter background. The margins are relatively smooth, and the overall form is lightweight yet sturdy enough to survive moderate surf.
Key Features
Compressed oval shape, smooth porcelain-like exterior texture, and distinct reddish or pink radial stripes running from the beak to the outer edge.
Collector Value
Low to moderate commercial value. While not rare or expensive, they are popular among casual beachcombers and beginner collectors for their appealing pastel colors and geometric stripe patterns.
Condition Notes
Single valve fragment or worn whole shell in Fair to Good condition, showing some dulling of the natural gloss and slight edge wear from wave action.
Interesting Facts
Tellins are burrowing bivalves that use long, flexible siphons to vacuum up detritus and microscopic algae from the surface of the sand while remaining safely buried beneath.
Ecological Role
Serves as an important food source for bottom-feeding fish, rays, and carnivorous gastropods, while helping to process organic matter in sandy benthic ecosystems.
Similar Species
Other members of the Tellinidae family, such as the Rose Petal Tellin (Tellina similis), which generally lacks the distinct dark radial lines found on this specimen.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along high tide lines on sandy tropical and subtropical beaches, particularly after storms or during extremely low spring tides.