Sea Snail Sea shell - S-256 CASSIS CORNUTA

Beautiful, very large XXL shell Cassis Cornuta-Przyłbica rogata–a species of large, predatory univalve snail from the Cassidae family, one of the largest snail species. The species is typical of the genus Cassis. The whorl is very low. On the last whorl there are three distinct, spiral rows of swellings with knobs (horns), the largest of which are on the peristome, in the upper part of the shell. Adults in the top row have 5–7 long or short, rounded or pointed knobs (horns). Two rows lower have 3–4 smaller knobs each. A characteristic feature is a clear, dense hammering (net-like relief) on the surface of the shell. The external surface of the shell is cream, grayish or whitish, with brown streaks and spots. A large, oval parietal plate, yellowish- or brownish-orange in color, with two spotted, spiral swellings in the central part of the surface. The height of the parietal plate in adults is greater than the height of the shell. The external lip is thick, wide, with 5–7 pale teeth on the central inner edge. On the outer surface of the lip there are usually 7 wide brown spots. During growth, the new external lip is expanded after the whorl has rotated 270 degrees relative to the previous lip. Protoconch with 2 ½ narrow whorls, whitish, smooth with a brown seam on the first whorl. Orange columella, with 8–11 faint, pale ridges in the lower half. Umbilical depression covered. Sometimes pieces of corals, rocks, or shell fragments become trapped in the umbilical space, rattling when the shell is shaken. Dimensions - 230/260/305 mm. Highly recommended for collectors and interior decorators.