Reticulated Cowrie / Reticulate Cowritop
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Bivalvia, Order: Pectinida, Family: Pectinidae, Genus: Nodipecten, Species: Nodipecten nodosus · Pectinidae (Scallop family) · Bivalve (two-shelled), whole shell, fan/disc shape
Species
Cypraea cribraria or similar cowrie family shell, but more accurately this is a Lion's Paw Scallop fragment or a heavy ribbed bivalve / Cassis madagascariensis related form. Correction based on distinct strong radial ribs and nodular rows: Let us identify as Lion's Paw Scallop (Nodipecten nodosus)
Shell Type
Bivalve (two-shelled), whole shell, fan/disc shape
Family
Pectinidae (Scallop family)
Size
Approximately 5-6 inches in width, which is average to large for this species. Adults typically range from 4 to 7 inches.
Color & Pattern
Cream to pale beige base color with prominent reddish-purple or burgundy flame-like markings and chevron patterns concentrated in the grooves between ribs. The colors appear natural with some mild fading.
Rarity
Uncommon, highly prized by beachcombers due to its striking appearance and sturdy structure.
Habitat
Found in shallow subtidal marine environments, typically attached by a byssus or resting on coral rubble, sandy bottoms, and sponge-rich areas in warm tropical waters.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina through the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, down to Brazil.
Description
A magnificent and heavy bivalve featuring strong, prominent radial ribs adorned with distinctive raised, hollow nodes or knobs. The shell has an asymmetrical auricle structure typical of scallops and displays a gorgeous reddish-purple chevron pattern interlaced on a creamy background.
Key Features
Distinguished by heavy radial ribs, distinctive prominent knobs (nodes) along specific ribs, asymmetrical ears (auricles) at the hinge, and vibrant purplish-red zigzag or chevron color markings.
Collector Value
Moderately high collector value, especially for specimens with deep purple coloration and intact nodes. Prices generally range from $15 to $50 depending on size, color vibrancy, and pristine condition.
Condition Notes
Good condition with minor wear on the prominent nodes, natural color retained with slight fading, structural integrity is solid, collectibility grade is Good to Fine.
Interesting Facts
Lion's Paw Scallops are capable of swimming short distances by rapidly clapping their valves together to expel water, using a row of dozens of tiny blue eyes along their mantle edge to detect motion.
Ecological Role
Acts as an active filter feeder improving water clarity, serves as an important food source for marine carnivores like octopuses, sea stars, and large fish, and provides hard substrate surfaces for encrusting organisms.
Similar Species
Pacific Lion's Paw (Nodipecten subnodosus), which is generally larger and found in the Eastern Pacific; distinguished by subtle differences in rib count and node distribution.
Beach Finding Tips
Best found after severe storms or tropical weather events in the Caribbean or Florida keys, washed up along offshore bars or gathered by scuba divers in deeper reef rubble zones.