Sea Snail Sea shell - S-331 CASSIS CORNUTA

Beautiful, large shell Cassis cornuta-prylbica rogata–a species of large predatory snorkeling snail in the Cassidae family, one of the largest snail species. The type species of the genus Cassis. The spiral is very low. On the last whorl there are three distinct spiral rows of enlargements with nodules (horns), the largest of them are on the crown, in the upper part of the shell. Adult individuals in the top row have 5–7 long or short, rounded or pointed knobs (horns). The two rows below have 3–4 smaller knobs. A characteristic feature is a pronounced, dense hammering (net-like surface relief) on the shell surface. The external surface of the shell is cream, grayish or whitish, with brown streaks and spots. Large, oval parietal shield, color yellowish- or brown-orange, with two spotted, spiral thickenings in the central part on the surface. The height of the parietal shield in adults is greater than the height of the shell. The outer lip is thick, wide, with 5–7 whitish teeth on the middle inner edge. On the outer surface of the lip there are usually 7 broad brown spots. During growth, the new outer lip is extended after the whorl has rotated 270 degrees relative to the previous lip. Protoconch with 2½ narrow whorls, whitish, smooth with a brown seam on the first whorl. An orange columella, with 8–11 faint, whitish ridges in the lower half. Axial pit is covered. Sometimes pieces of coral, rock, or shell fragments become trapped in the pit space, which rattle when the shell is shaken. Dimensions - 210/220/285 mm. Highly recommended to collectors and interior decorators.