Scaphopod Fragment (Tusk Shell)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Scaphopoda, Order: Dentaliida, Family: Dentaliidae, Genus: Dentalium, Species: Dentalium entalis · Dentaliidae (Tooth shell family) · Scaphopod (tusk shell), fragment, tubular shape
Species
Dentalium entalis (or similar Dentalium species)
Shell Type
Scaphopod (tusk shell), fragment, tubular shape
Family
Dentaliidae (Tooth shell family)
Size
Approximately 1-2 centimeters visible, which represents a small fragment of a typically larger tusk shell that can range from 2 to 5 centimeters in length.
Color & Pattern
Pale whitish base with soft peach to orange-pink staining, appearing natural and slightly weathered.
Rarity
Common
Habitat
Found buried vertically in fine sand or muddy substrates in marine environments, ranging from the low intertidal zone down to deep subtidal waters.
Geographic Range
Widely distributed across temperate and tropical marine waters globally, including the Atlantic coast of North America and Europe.
Description
A small, curved, tubular fragment resembling an elephant's tusk in miniature. The exterior is smooth to subtly ridged with an open tapering cylindrical structure typical of scaphopods.
Key Features
Elongated, bilaterally symmetrical, curved tubular structure open at both ends.
Collector Value
Low collectible value due to fragmentary condition; mostly of educational interest.
Condition Notes
Worn fragment with missing apex and aperture, Fair to Poor collectibility grade.
Interesting Facts
Scaphopods live buried in the sand with only the narrow tip exposed to draw in clean water for respiration, feeding on microscopic foraminifera.
Ecological Role
Acts as a bioturbator by churning up sediment and serves as a food source for bottom-feeding fish and crabs.
Similar Species
Other tusk shell species within the families Dentaliidae or Gadilidae, distinguished mainly by microscopic sculpture and cross-section shape.
Beach Finding Tips
Look in shell drift lines on fine sandy beaches, particularly after storms or high tides.