Fasciolaria

Tulip shell, Fasciolaria sp.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Gastropoda
Subclass:	Orthogastropoda
Order:	Sorbeoconcha
Suborder:	Hypsogastropoda
Infraorder:	Neogastropoda
Family:	Fasciolariidae
Genus:	Fasciolaria

The Tulip shell, scientific name genus Fasciolaria, is a common name for two species of large predatory subtropical and tropical sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Fasciolariidae, the spindle shells, tulip shells and their allies.

The two tulip shells, Fasciolaria tulipa and Fasciolaria lilium, are both western Atlantic species.

The name "tulip shell" is a description of the overall shape of the shells of these species, which is like that of a closed tulip flower.

The true tulip, Fasciolaria tulipa

Distribution

This species occurs from the North Carolina coast all the way south and west to the Gulf coast of Texas, also in the West Indies.

Habitat

Fasciolaria tulipa usually lives in sand or mud at approximately 30 feet depth.

Shell description

The tulip shell is a white/tan with rows of darker brownish blotches of various sizes from the spire to the aperture. Over those are symmetrical rows of thin lines that spiral up the shell spaced at approximately every 1/8 inch.

The shell is 2.5” – 9.5” inches (6.4 – 24.1 cm) in length.

Prey species

This snail eats various other gastropods and bivalves, especially its cousin, the banded tulip.

The banded tulip, Fasciolaria lilium

Distribution

This species occurs from the Florida coast to the Gulf coast of Texas, and down into Mexico.

Habitat

Fasciolaria lilium is found in sand or muddy sand from 2 to 150 feet depth.

Shell description

The banded tulip has a very similar color pattern to the true tulip. But the main differences are the color splotches appear as a redder color (blue in rare areas). Also the stripes that give the banded tulip its name are farther apart; closer to half a centimeter.

The shell is 2 ¼ - 4 1/8 inches (5.7-10.5 cm.) in length.

Prey species

Little is known about the banded tulip’s diet, but it is assumed that it is similar to that of the true tulip: small gastropods and bivalves.

References

• National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Seashells