Zebra Nerite / Bleeding Tooth fragment
Phylum Mollusca, Class Bivalvia, Order Ostreida, Family Plicatulidae, Genus Plicatula, Species Plicatula gibbosa · Plicatulidae (Kitten's Paw family) · Bivalve (two-shelled), specifically a shell fragment with a fan/ridged shape
Species
Plicatula gibbosa (likely cat's paw fragment) or Nerita peloronta with high confidence it is a bivalve fragment
Shell Type
Bivalve (two-shelled), specifically a shell fragment with a fan/ridged shape
Family
Plicatulidae (Kitten's Paw family)
Size
Approximately 1 to 1.5 inches across for the visible fragment, representing a broken piece of a shell that typically ranges from 1 to 2 inches overall
Color & Pattern
Dark brown and blackish base coloration with contrasting lighter creamy-white zigzag or banded markings across the strong raised radial ribs, maintaining a natural glossy luster
Rarity
Common as fragments on certain tropical and subtropical beaches, though intact specimens require targeted searching
Habitat
Shallow marine waters, typically attached to hard substrates, rocks, or coral reefs in tropical and subtropical intertidal to subtidal zones
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic Ocean, including the southeastern United States, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea
Description
A striking marine bivalve shell fragment displaying strong, prominent radial ribs and characteristic dark zebra-like or mottled color banding. The surface texture is rugged yet polished, featuring distinct corrugated ridges that provide structural strength to the living organism
Key Features
Strong radial ribs, deep furrows, and distinct dark brown and white mottled or banded patterns typical of certain attached bivalves or ribbed nerites
Collector Value
Low commercial or collector value due to being a fragment, though valued by casual beachcombers for its striking dark patterns
Condition Notes
A broken shell fragment missing its hinge and opposing valve; however, the coloration and surface luster are well-preserved with no major sun-bleaching. Collectibility grade is Fair due to it being a fragment
Interesting Facts
Many species in this family cement one valve directly to hard surfaces like rocks or coral, living a sedentary lifestyle much like oysters
Ecological Role
Filter feeders that help maintain water clarity and provide hard substrate microhabitats for various encrusting marine organisms
Similar Species
Other ribbed bivalves such as juvenile scallops or various Nerita species of gastropods, distinguished primarily by internal hinge structures or shell architecture
Beach Finding Tips
Look along high-tide shell lines on tropical or subtropical beaches, particularly after storms or heavy wave action that uncovers heavy debris