Sea Snail Sea shell - S-662 MELO AMPHORA (No reserve price)

Beautiful, very large XL Melo amphora shell, commonly known as the volute Diadem, is a very large sea snail, a mollusk in the family Volutidae, volutes. This large shell has a bulbous or almost oval outline. The columella has three easily recognizable oblique folds. The aperture is wide and almost as long as the shell itself and there is no operculum. It has a very large, inflated and posteriorly expanded body whorl. One of its most striking features is the shoulder with prominent and curved hollow spines. These spines become worn in later growth stages. The apex is usually very short. It is said that the color of Melo amphora shell is very variable. It usually has brown, white or pale orange coloration. It typically features spiral darker brown bands. The interior is glassy, most often cream or pinkish-orange. Dimensions - 115/155/255 mm. Highly recommended for collectors and interior decorators.