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, whole shell, spiral shape
Species
Neverita duplicata
Shell Type
Gastropod, whole shell, spiral shape
Family
Naticidae (Moon Snail family)
Size
Approximately 1 inch in diameter, which is on the smaller side. Adults typically range from 1.5 to 3 inches.
Color & Pattern
Warm caramel brown to tan with a slightly lighter central spire area and a dark brown or purplish callus filling the umbilicus. The colors appear natural and slightly glossy.
Rarity
Common
Habitat
Shallow subtidal and intertidal zones, typically burrowing beneath the sand or mud in search of bivalve prey. Marine environment.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Massachusetts down to the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and the Caribbean.
Description
A smooth, globular univalve shell with a low, flat spire and a large body whorl. The surface is polished and porcelain-like. It features a characteristic thick, dark button-like callus that covers the umbilicus.
Key Features
Low spire, smooth glossy surface, globular body whorl, and a distinct dark brown or purplish callus plugging the central umbilicus area.
Collector Value
Low to moderate commercial value, but highly popular among casual beachcombers and beginner shell collectors due to their smooth texture and pleasing shape.
Condition Notes
The shell appears to be in very good, intact condition with a nice natural gloss and no major chips or structural breaks. Collectibility grade is Fine.
Interesting Facts
Moon snails hunt by drilling a perfectly round, bevel-edged hole into the shells of bivalves using an acidic secretion and their radula, then feeding on the soft tissue inside.
Ecological Role
Acts as an active predatory carnivore in benthic marine ecosystems, helping to regulate bivalve populations. They serve as food for various marine predators.
Similar Species
Neverita lewisii (Lewis's Moon Snail) which is generally larger and has a lighter callus, and Polinices uberinus.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along sandy beaches at low tide, especially after storms or strong wave action. You can often find them by spotting slight bumps or hummocks in the wet sand where they have burrowed.