Gastropod Sea shell - Monoplex parthenopeus (No reserve price)

Superb specimen of Monoplex parthenopeus, commonly called Naples Triton or Velvety Triton, mounted on an elegant light wood base with metal supports.

This marine gastropod from the Ranellidae family stands out for its extraordinary external texture, characterized by the presence of a particularly developed natural periostracum, forming numerous filamentous excrescences across the entire shell.

This organic coating, often missing from cleaned specimens, gives this example a wild appearance and a particularly interesting character for natural curiousities enthusiasts.

The shell features beautiful reliefs and an outer coloration mixing beige, brown and earthy tones. Its opening, strikingly contrasted, reveals a shiny interior in cream, orange and dark brown shades, with a particularly decorative dentate lip.

The specimen is mounted on a square light wood base, allowing it to be displayed from different angles while highlighting its sculptural silhouette.

Characteristics:

• Scientific name: Monoplex parthenopeus (Salis Marschlins, 1793)
• Common name: Naples Triton / Velvety Triton
• Family: Ranellidae
• Geographic origin: exact provenance unknown, species present in the Mediterranean and in the eastern Atlantic
• Era: contemporary natural specimen, not fossilized, modern mounting
• Shell length (excluding base): 12 cm
• Weight of the shell alone: 60 g
• Total weight with base: 100 g
• Presentation: light wood base and metal supports
• Special feature: preservation of a substantial part of the natural periostracum

Condition:
Natural specimen showing irregularities, roughness and signs of wear visible in the photographs. The periostracum features delicate and fragile filaments contributing to its exceptional character.

A collectible and decorative object:

Thanks to its sober and elegant mounting, this Naples Triton will naturally find its place in a cabinet of curiosities, a marine shell collection, or a naturalist-inspired decoration.

Its singular texture and the contrast between its rugged exterior and its opening in warm colors make it a particularly original decorative piece.

The photographs are an integral part of the description and allow appreciating the real state of the specimen.

Careful and secure packaging for shipment, with particular attention given to protecting the shell’s fragile parts.