Atlantic Fig Shell
Ficus communis

This shell, also known as the common fig, is more commonly referred to as the paper fig among Gulf Coast collectors.  When found on the beach, the shell appears paper thin. While the shell is actually quite sturdy for its weight, it is relatively difficult to find a perfect specimen.  Most will have holes, cracks, or chips and nicks on the lip.

You can find the paper fig with relative ease on the beaches, but it will typically not be alive.

Since it is extremely difficult to find these animals alive, it is difficult to find color variations unless you are fortunate to find a very fresh specimen, without beach wear.  The one shown in the middle photo is the typical color form exhibited by at least 90 percent of the fresh paper figs found on Lee Coast beaches.  Fresh specimens will have the "freckles" exhibited by this shell.

A very few fresh specimens will exhibit the red-orange coloration shown below. The red specimens also exhibited the freckles. Most beach shells found are almost pure white, without freckles. 

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