FAQ PAGE 1
This Page contains following topics : Adult shell Versus juvenile Albinism Keeping Dead (empty) shells in an Aquarium
Adult shell Versus juvenile
(Original
Forum Question : How does a novice like me differeniate between an
adult shell and a non-adult shell? Is it purely by size and if so
what size makes an adult ?)
By looking
and comparing as much shells as possible , in books as in reality
. A mature shell usually has a good weight an full formed lip ,
very often young shells have nicer colours than adult ones , but
I realise this information is not very practical. Some specific
adult shells can look very imature . On the other hand some shells
continue to grow eternally cfr. conus prometheus ( I dont know if
the 10 cm plus specimens are indeed reproductive but I guess they
are ) . Compare and ask advice to peers , dont by in a hurry unless
from excellent origin. (Answer
by M. PVDB
via the Forum)
The book
you ordered is the best available for the geographic area it covers.
Of course as its name indicates, it doesn't cover Atlantic cone
species. Immature cone shells usally have a thinner, more fragile
lip than mature shells. However, this is more helpful with some
species than with others, because some cones have a rather thin,
fragile lip even when mature (like C. gloriamaris). In most species
though the lip is noticeably thicker and stronger in a mature specimen. (Answer
by M. Paul Monfils via the Forum)
Albinism
(I'm
looking for articles/information about albinism among shellpopulations.
Any information is welcome)
Go to the archives of
the Conch-L listserve at http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/conch-l.html
Click on "search the archives". Then type in "albinism"
or "albino" and run the search. You will find past discussions
on the topic, with considerable information. Same is true for any
other shell-related topic. (Answer by M. Paul Monfils via the Forum)
What means "crabbed"
shell ?
(Original
Forum Question : Hi, Just what does it mean when a dealer says a specimen
was collected crabbed. What type of damage should one expect to find
on such a shell. Thanks.)
"Crabbed" means
that the original owner of the shell (the gastropod) had died and
decomposed, and a hermit crab had moved into the empty shell. Hermit
crabs are fairly fussy about shell size (they have to be - their
life depends on it!) but they are not very fussy about shell quality.
Therefore a "crabbed" shell can range from near gem condition
to really awful condition. The crab actually does help to preserve
the shell in the condition in which it "collected" it,
because the crab supports the shell on its back and prevents the
shell from being rolled around by the waves and currents as it would
if empty.
(Answer by M. Paul Monfils via the Forum)
Keeping Dead (empty)
shells in an Aquarium
(Original
Forum Question : I recently purchased 5 Golden Cowries just to use
as aquarium decorations; will they deteriorate over time in my aquarium?)
They will deteriorate over
time, and the rate at which they deteriorate will be affected by
the pH (acidity/alkalinity) of the water. Some kinds of aquarium
fish require slightly acidic conditions (pH about 6.5). Others require
slightly alkaline conditions (pH about 7.5), while others prefer
a neutral pH (7.0). If your tank is on the alkaline side of neutral,
deterioration will be relatively slow. But if your tank is on the
acidic side of neutral, not only will the shells deteriorate faster,
they will also neutralize the water in the tank as they dissolve
into it. Coral will have the same effect.
(Answer by M. Paul Monfils via the Forum)
