Flamingo Tongue Shell Lip Fragment
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Littorinimorpha, Family: Ovulidae, Genus: Cyphoma, Species: Cyphoma gibbosum · Ovulidae (False Cowrie family) · Gastropod (snail/univalve), shell fragment consisting primarily of the outer lip/margin, irregular shape
Species
Cyphoma gibbosum
Shell Type
Gastropod (snail/univalve), shell fragment consisting primarily of the outer lip/margin, irregular shape
Family
Ovulidae (False Cowrie family)
Size
The visible fragment measures approximately 1 to 2 inches in length. Whole adults of this species typically range from 1 to 1.5 inches (25-44 mm), making this a partial fragment of a large specimen.
Color & Pattern
Vibrant, deep pink to purplish-rose coloration on the outer thickened lip, transitioning to a smooth, porcelain-white interior aperture. The colors are natural and highly saturated, typical of the diagnostic lip coloration found in this species.
Rarity
Uncommon as a whole beach find due to their fragility, though the living snails are common in their specific reef habitats.
Habitat
Shallow subtidal waters, coral reefs, and hard-bottom habitats where gorgonian corals (sea whips and sea fans) thrive. Exclusively marine.
Geographic Range
Tropical Western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea, the Bahamas, southern Florida, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Description
This specimen is a partial fragment of a marine gastropod, specifically showcasing the thickened, highly colored outer lip characteristic of the false cowrie family. The texture is smooth and porcelain-like on the interior with a vibrant pink exterior margin.
Key Features
The defining feature of this fragment is the thickened, reflexed outer lip with a striking deep pink or rose coloration contrasting against a white interior.
Collector Value
Low to moderate value due to it being a damaged fragment rather than a whole, gem-quality specimen. Primarily of interest as a study piece.
Condition Notes
Fair condition as it is an incomplete fragment rather than a whole shell. However, the color remains rich and unfaded, showing minimal erosion.
Interesting Facts
The living snail has a brightly patterned mantle with orange-yellow spots and black rings that mimics the host coral it feeds upon. The shell itself is completely hidden beneath this mantle when the animal is alive.
Ecological Role
Specialized predators that feed exclusively on toxic gorgonian corals (sea fans and sea whips), sequestering the toxins for their own defense.
Similar Species
Other species in the Ovulidae family, such as Cyphoma signatum (Leaping Flamingo Tongue), which features transverse lines rather than a solid pattern.
Beach Finding Tips
Look near coral reef drop-offs, drift lines, and shell-rich beaches in the Caribbean and southern Florida, particularly after storms.