Beachcombing
Sea Shells
on the Lee Island Coast
|
 |
Horse Conch
Florida's State Shell |
|
At least 535 million
years ago, mollusks acquired the habit of secreting a carbonate of lime
solution that immediately forms a protective shell with the consistency of
marble. The word "conch" comes from the Greek word meaning "shell."
Pleuroploca gigantea, the
horse conch, also known as the giant band shell, has been Florida's official
State Shell since 1969. This shell is native to the marine waters around
Florida and can grow to a length of 24". Young shells have orange color;
adult shells have orange apertures. The shell is the external skeleton of a
soft-bodied animal that inhabits it. |
|
Kathy & Ray |
Walking along the beach picking up seashells and sealife has been enjoyed by
millions of people throughout the world.
Kathy & Ray, pictured here are
among our visitors who enjoy beachcombing and the horse conch pictured at
the top of the right column is a treasured find from one of their outings on
our beach. |
|
The Lee Island Coast is famous for its abundant and beautiful shells.
With
the hundreds of miles of shorelines in Southwest Florida, all covered with
many of nature's treasures, it's easy to find this hobby enjoyable.
We hope information about local shells and sealife will be a help in
preserving and identifying the wonderful creatures and seashells you find
along our coast. |
There is nothing more heartwarming then watching a young child run along the
beach for hours on end excitedly pointing out all of the fabulous creatures and
seashells that can be found along the seashore, and gathering up seashells to
listen into.
Shell Identification
Learn the names and
characteristics of many common shells found in Southwest Florida by visiting our
Shell Identification Guide.
The majority of
photographs and shell descriptions are provided by Harlan Wittkopf. When
he decided to become semi-retired 20 years ago, he said he found the perfect mix
of sun, sand, serf and shells here in Southwest Florida.
In his own words:
I've been a witness to
nature's show
not unlike a kaleidoscope's view.
Gleaming shells on a
tranquil beach a
fanfare of colors in every hue.
The
blissful quiet I've oft disturbed
as gasps of joy and awe resound
with each and every treasured shell. Indeed, 'twas paradise I found.
Live Shelling Restrictions
Florida Law Prohibits the taking of live shells from the
beaches in
Lee County to conserve this precious marine resource.
Beachcombing
Remember that our coastlines are an important part of the environment, so please
try to leave an area as pristine as it was when you arrived, if not more so.
Please do not litter and if you see someone else's trash gather and dispose of
it properly. If you flip over a rock to look for specimens make sure to
replace it when you are done looking. All of these tips will help to keep our
shorelines a viable habitat for all.
More Information About Local
Wildlife
|
