EPITONIUMS & JANTHINAS
This is a very interesing group of molluscs that live and feed on cnidarians. The vast majority of the shells in this family are tiny, and mostly white. There are a few species however that have appreciable size and fantastic sculpture. Some of thse shells are pictured here; some are arguably among the most beautiful of all shells, like Epitonium scalare and Elegantiscala rugosum. Some large species are also extremely rare.

Amaea ferminiana Dall, 1908
70.3mm. off Coiba Island, Panama.
Species in the Genus Amaea can be recognized immediately by having the same basic sculpture: Elongated shape, rounded whorls and small criss-crossed ribs and ridges. A. ferminiana is among the larger species. This is rather stocky and has a mocha-brown tint. The species is very similar, but larger than its Caribbean counterpart A. mitchelli.

Elegantiscala rugosum Röding, 1798
93.4mm. Balut Island, Philippines.
Pictured here is a large specimen, displaying a beautiful sculpture, with long, winged ribs set around the very tall body whorl. The apex is in pretty good shape as well, only missing the very top. Overall, prtty good shape for a dead-taken shell. These shells can grow beyond 4". A full sized, live taken, gem specimen, is as admirable as it is rare.

Epitonium scalare Linnaeus, 1758
69.7mm. Vietnam.
Once a gret rarity, today a common and inexpensive item, that can be bought with a few dollars. Still, though, among the most beautiful of all shells. The main body is tubular, with flared ribs placed uniformly throughout. The coils grow loosely, leaving spece within the worls, and a very deep, open umbilicus. Shells nearing 3"are not common at all.

Cirsotrema varicosa
Lamarck, 1822
66.2mm. Olango Island, Philippines
An attractive, rather large species. This shell is very elongated, the surface is matte, chalky white. It is adorned with a texture like fine lace.

Eburniscala imperiale
Sowerby, G.B. I, 1844
34.4mm. Queensland, Australia.
A very elegant, cream colored, colsely-ribbed Australian species. The shell is lightweight. The depicted specimen is already large.

Gyroscala lamellosa
Lamarck, J.B.P.A. de, 1822
33.6mm. Savona. Italia.
A very widespread, yet strikingly beautiful species: The main body is dark grey, the thin, lamellated ribs are contrastingly white.

Janthina janthina
Linnaeus, 1758
36.2mm. Key Biscayne. Florida. USA.
Nothing like walking to the beach at dawn, after a spring storm and picking these up, fresh and with the deep purple color still vibrant.