Atlantic Thorny Oyster
Spondylus americanus
Markings and exact colorations may vary.
A heavy, spiny shell in orange, red or white, cemented to reef ledges and rarely reaching the beach intact.
- Typical size
- 3–6 in
- How often it turns up
- Rare on beaches
- Collecting
- Check local rules
- Handling
- Sharp edges
Beach-washed valves are usually fine. Live take from reef is restricted in many Florida waters.
How to tell it apart
- Long spines radiating from the valve
- Bright orange, red or white colour
- Ball-and-socket hinge teeth
Where to find these in Florida
Beaches rated very good or excellent for shells. Each page shows today’s score, the best window and access details.
- Anclote Key Preserve State Park · Tarpon Springs
- Bean Point · Anna Maria
- Beer Can Island (Greer Island) · Longboat Key
- Boca Grande Public Beach · Boca Grande
- Bowman's Beach · Sanibel
- Captiva Beach · Captiva
- Cayo Costa State Park · Cayo Costa
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park · Naples
- Don Pedro Island State Park · Cape Haze
- Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park · St. George Island
- Gasparilla Island State Park · Boca Grande
- Gulfside City Park (Algiers Beach) · Sanibel
Found one?
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