Marine Life of Eastern North America including North Carolina

PO Box 9021, Wilmington, DE 19809, USA
E-mail: font@focusonnature.com
Phone: Toll-free in USA 1-888-721-3555
or 302/529-1876

MARINE LIFE
of Eastern North America

of and by the Atlantic Ocean

other than Whales, Dolphins, Seals
and the Manatee

including inshore and offshore waters
of coastal North Carolina
and
those of the Delmarva Peninsula

A list compiled by Armas Hill

There are 764 species of various marine creatures in this list.

With those seen during Focus On Nature tours and pelagic trips with an (*)

Photo at upper right: the jellyfish known as the PORTUGUESE MAN-OF-WAR

Links, in the following list, to:

Sea Turtles    Fish    Sponges

CNIDARIANS:    Corals    Sea Anemones    Jellyfish    Hydroids    Comb Jellies

Mollusks (including Shells): CHITONS

GASTROPODS Limpets Periwinkles Sundials Wendletraps Cowries

Moon Shells & Naticas Helmet Shells Tritons Rock Shells & Dogwinkles

Dove Shells Whelks Tulip Shells Olive Shells Nutmegs Cone Shells

Auger Shells Turret Shells Pyramid Shells Bubble Shells Tusk Shells

TUSK SHELLS (above) are not GASTROPODS but SCAPHOPODS.
The groups in the following line are GASTROPODS, but some are without shells.

Sea Butterflies Sea Hares Nudibranchs & allies

BIVALVES: Mussels Pearl Oyster Pen Shells Scallops File Shells Jingle Shells

Oysters    Clams (including Cockles)    Lucines    Tellins    Bean Clams    Razor Clams

Surf Clams    Rock Borers    Corbula Clams    Piddocks    Shipworms    Lysonias    Pandoras

Spoon Clams    Dipper Shells

CEPHALOPODS: Squids Octopuses Paper Argonauts

Arthropods (including Horseshoe Crab): Sea Spiders

CRUSTACEANS    Barnacles (and Isopods, Amphipods, Beach Fleas)    Shrimps, Lobsters    Crabs

Included with SHRIMP (above) is KRILL, the food of baleen whales.

Echinoderms    Sea Stars, Asteroids    Sea Urchins, Sand Dollar, Sea Biscuit    Sea Cucumbers

Chordates:   Sea Squirts & Tunicates    Lancelet    Brachiopods    Bryozoans (plant-like animals)

Other Links:

Marine Life of Iceland Marine Life of Southeast US, including the Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas

Marine Life of the West Indies Marine Life in Western North America, from Alaska to Mexico

Marine Life of eastern Mexico, Belize, & Honduras

Mammals of Eastern North America, including Marine Mammals: Whales, Dolphins, Seals, Manatee

A Listing of scheduled Focus On Nature Tours in the places in the above links

Upcoming Focus On Nature Tours in North America FONT Past Tour Highlights

Codes:

For all of the following either along the coast or offshore

DE   in Delaware
FL   in Florida
NC   in North Carolina
NJ in New Jersey
NF in Newfoundland, Canada

(p)   pelagically

(ASC:xx) refers to the plate number of a photo in the "National Audubon Society Field Guide to Seashore Creatures"

(AS:xx) refers to the plate number of a photo in the "National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Seashells"

(FGCF:xx) refers to the page with an illustration in the book "A Field Guide to Coastal Fishes, from Maine to Texas", by Val Kells & Kent Carpenter, 2011.

(PAS:xx) refers to the plate with an illustration in the "Peterson Field Guide, Atlantic Seashore", by Kenneth Gosner, 1978.

(PS:xx) refers to plate number with an illustration in the "Peterson Field Guide, Shells of the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts and the West Indies", by R. Tucker Abbott and Perry Morris, 1995

These classifications by the ICUN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
of Threatened & Near-threatened species;
(t1): critically endangered
(t2): endangered
(t3); vulnerable
(nt): near-threatened

(ph): species with a photo in the FONT website

A very good and interesting book, that is a informational source for some of what follows in this list, is the "Nature Guide to the Carolina Coast", by Peter Meyer, 1991 and later.

Another good and informative book is "Beachcomber's Guide from Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras", by Henry Keatts, 1985.
Some of the information incorporated into this list is from that book, as well as those noted below.

Some fine books, both interesting and gain informative, about various groupings of marine creatures in this list are the following:
"Voyage of the Turtle - in Pursuit of the Earth's Last Dinosaurs", by Carl Safina, 2007
"The Search for the Giant Squid, the Biology and Mythology of the World's Most Elusive Sea Creature", by Richard Ellis, 1999 (not just referring to the Giant Squids but also other squids)
"Octopus! the Most Mysterious Creature in the Sea", by Katherine Harmon Courage, 2013
"Walking Sideways - the Remarkable World of Crabs", by Judith Weis, 2012

         MARINE, or SEA, TURTLES (Reptiles)

Leatherback (Sea) Turtle (t1) (ph) (*) ______ DE(p) NC(p) NJ(p)
Dermochelys coriacea

The Leatherback Sea Turtle is the world's largest turtle. It can weigh half a ton. It is a deep diver, able to go to a depth of about 5,000 feet.
Loggerhead (Sea) Turtle (t2) (ph) (*) ______ DE(p) NC(p) NJ(p)
Caretta caretta

A Loggerhead Sea Turtle photographed during a FONT pelagic trip
(photo by Alan Brady)
Kemp's Ridley (Sea) Turtle (t1) (*) ______ DE(p)
Lepidochelys kempii

The Kemp's Ridley Turtle is the world's rarest sea turtle. It is classified as "critically endangered".
Green (Sea) Turtle (t2) (ph) ______ DE
Chelonia mydas

A Green Sea Turtle photographed during a FONT tour

Again, as previously noted, an excellent book about sea turtles is "Voyage of the Turtle - in Pursuit of the Earth's Last Dinosaurs", by Carl Safina, Owl Books, 2007.

FISH

Click the above link to a list of marine fish of eastern North America: 560 species
Sharks' Teeth ______ NC

Occasionally, one who is beachcombing on a sandy beach is fortunate to find what appears to be, and in fact is a tooth, dark in color, and from one-half to several inches in length. Such a find is likely to be a sharks' tooth.

On beaches in North and South Carolina, the teeth of about 14 species are to found, among them those of: Great White, Hammerhead, Tiger, Bull, and Lemon Sharks.

Such teeth are not from sharks currently alive. They are fossil teeth, from sharks that lived thousands to millions of years ago. Dark teeth found on the beach are all fossils. A tooth from a present-day shark is white, and rarely found on the beach.

Actually, sharks' teeth are about the only remnants from ancient sharks. Unlike most fish whose skeletons are composed of hard bone, those of sharks are composed of softer cartilage.
The hardest substance in the bodies of sharks are their teeth. When they die, their bodies decompose, except for their teeth, which can continue to exist for eons.

Sharks produce a large number of teeth during their lives. It is estimated that a Tiger Shark, for example, produces up to 24,000 teeth in a 10-year period.

INVERTEBRATES

including those of the OPEN OCEAN:

SPONGES (Phylum Porifera)

Class CALCISPONGIAE: the CALCAREA with limy spicules
Organ-pipe Sponges ______ (ASC:54) (PAS:10) the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Cape Cod
Leucosolenia botryoides
Little Vase Sponge ______ (ASC:45) from the Arctic to Rhode Island, also North American Pacific coast
Scypha coliata

Class DEMOSPONGIAE
Dujardin's Slime Sponge ______ (ASC:115) from the Arctic to Cape Cod MA
Halisarca dujardini
Loosanoff's Haliclona ______ DE MD (PAS:10) Cape Cod to the Chesapeake Bay, possibly south to Cape Hatteras
Haliclona loosanoffi
Finger Sponge ______ (ASC:520 (PAS:11) Labrador to Long Island, NY, rarely south to North Carolina
Haliclona oculata

Haliclona oculata is called the "Eyed Sponge" because its pores resemble many eyes. It is often broken free by storms and washed up on the beach, where its skeleton bleaches to white.
Purple Sponge ______ VA (ASC:126) (PAS:11) in Maine, and the lower Chesapeake Bay where it is abundant; also the North American Pacific coast
Haliclona permollis

The Purple Sponge is encrusted on rocks in protected places, and on floating docks and in tidepools, from the midtidal zone to water up to 20 feet deep.
Common Palmate Sponge ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:28) Nova Scotia, Canada to North Carolina
Isodictya palmata

In the British Isles, where Isodictya palmata also occurs, it is known as "Mermaid's Gloves".
Egg Sponge ______ (PAS:10) from the Arctic south to New Hampshire
Mycalecarmia ovulum
Bowerbank's Crumb of Bread Sponge ______ (PAS:10) Bay of Fundy to Cape Cod, also North American Pacific coast
Halichondria bowerbanki

Another name for Halichondria bowerbanki is Bowerbank's Halichondria. It can be distinguished from the following species, Halichondria panicea, only by its spicules.
Crumb of Bread Sponge ______ (ASC:123) (PAS:10) from the Arctic to Cape Cod, also North American Pacific coast
Halichondria panicea

Other names for Halichondria panicea are Crumb Sponge or Bread Sponge.
Red Beard Sponge ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:29) (PAS:11) along the entire Atlantic coast of North America; also North American Pacific coast
Microciona prolifera

The Red Beard Sponge tolerates both the pollution and the reduced salinities of bays and estuaries.
Nipple Sponge ______ (ASC:53) Gulf of St. Lawrence to Cope Cod MA
Polymastia robusta
Loggerhead Sponge ______ FL NC (ASC:17) North Carolina to Florida and Mexico, also West Indies
Spheciospongia vesparia

Spheciospongia vesparia is the largest sponge known, up to 36 inches wide and 24 inches high.
As many as 16,000 animals, most of them snapping shrimp, have been recorded living in the canal system of one specimen.

Spheciospongia vesparia shares the same common name (Loggerhead Sponge) as an unrelated sponge, Ircinia strobilina that occurs in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.
Fig Sponge ______ (PAS:11) from the Arctic south to Rhode Island, possibly Virginia
Suberites ficus

Boring Sponges (PAS:10):
Cliona celata ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:127) Long Island, NY to the Gulf of Mexico, also North American Pacific coast
Cliona truitti ______ locally north to the Bay of Fundy
Cliona vastifica ______ locally north to the Gulf of St. Lawrence

A third class of sponges, HYALOSPONGIAE, the GLASS SPONGES, occurs only in deep waters further offshore.
The grouping is also known as HEXACTINELLIDA.

CNIDARIANS (including corals and jellyfish)

STONY CORALS (Class Anthozoa, order Scleractinia)
Northern Stony Coral ______ FL NC (PAS:20) Cape Cod to Florida, also West Indies
Astrangia danae

Astrangia danae is sometimes washed ashore.
Oculina sp. ______ FL NC

Oculina is washed ashore from Cape Hatteras, NC to the West Indies.

OCTOCORALS (Class Anthozoa, subclass Octocorallia)
Red Soft Coral ______ (ASC:37,39) from the Arctic to the Gulf of Maine, also North American Pacific coast
Gersemia rubiformis
Dead Man's Fingers ______ (PAS:10) Gulf of St. Lawrence to Rhode Island
Alcyonium digitatum
Sea Whip (ph) ______ FL MD NC VA (ASC:63) (PAS:11) New Jersey to the Gulf of Mexico
Leptogorgia virgulata

Sea Whip
(photo courtesy of Diane Allison)
Straight Sea Whip ______ MD VA ranges into the Chesapeake Bay as far north as the Patuxent River
Leptogorgia setacea
Common Sea Pansy ______ FL NC (PAS:11) North Carolina to Florida, the West Indies, and eastern South America
Renilla reniformis

SEA ANEMONES (Class Anthozoa, order Actiniaria)
Elegant Burrowing Anemone ______ DE MD VA (ASC:191) New Brunswick, Canada to the Chesapeake Bay
Edwardsia elegans
Lined Anemone ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:166) Cape Cod MA to Cape Hatteras NC
Fagesia lineata
Warty Burrowing Anemone ______ DE MD NC VA Cape Cod MA to South Carolina
Haloclava producta
Smooth Burrowing Anemone ______ DE MD VA (ASC:172) from Cape Cod south, probably as far as Cape Hatteras
Actinothoe modesta
Northern Red Anemone ______ (ASC:182) from the Arctic to Cape Cod, also North American Pacific coast
Tealia crassicornis
Silver-spotted Anemone ______ (ASC:196) Nova Scotia, Canada to the Gulf of Maine
Bunodactis stella
Warty Sea Anemone ______ FL NC (ASC:193) North Carolina to the Florida and Texas, also West Indies
Bunodosoma cavernata
Red Stomphia ______ (ASC:178) from the Bay of Fundy to Cape Cod MA
Stomphia coccinea
Tricolor Anemone ______ FL NC (ASC:194) North Carolina to Texas and Mexico, also West Indies
Calliactis tricolor

The Tricolor Anemone attaches itself to crabs.
Pale Anemone ______ FL NC (ASC:167) North Carolina to Florida and Texas, also West Indies
Aiptasia pallida
Frilled Anemone ______ DE (ASC:171) from the Arctic to Delaware, also North American Pacific coast
Metridium senile
Striped Anemone ______ DE MD VA (ASC:168) Maine to Chesapeake Bay, also North American Pacific coast
Haliplanella luciae
Ghost Anemone ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:169) Maine to North Carolina, also North American Pacific coast
Diadumene leucolena

TUBE-DWELLING ANEMONE: CERIANTHID (Class Anthozoa, order Ceriantharia)
Northern Cerianthid ______ (ASC:170) from the Arctic to Cape Cod
Cerianthus borealis

JELLYFISH (Class Scyphozoa)

JELLYFISH of course are not fish.

SESSILE JELLYFISH

These 3 species do not at all resemble the TYPICAL JELLYFISH that follow.
Horned Stalked Jellyfish ______ (ASC:90) Greenland to Cape Cod MA
Lucernaria quadricornis

The Horned Stalked Jellyfish closely matches the color of the seaweeds on which it sits.
Eared Stalked Jellyfish ______ (PAS:17) Greenland to Cape Cod MA (the south side)
Haliclystus auricula
Trumpet Stalked Jellyfish ______ (ASC:40) New Brunswick, Canada to Cape Cod MA
Haliclystus salpinx

TYPICAL JELLYFISH
Crown Jellyfish ______ (ASC:503) (PAS:29) Cape Hatteras NC to Florida, occasionally further north
Nausithoe punctata

The Crown Jellyfish is normally in deep water at or below 500 feet.
Mushroom Cap ______ (PAS:31)
Rhopilema verrilli
Purple Jellyfish ______ (ASC:508) in warm waters off North and South America
Pelagica noctiluca

The Purple Jellyfish occurs in large swarms, which appear as glowing white balls at night.
It is toxic. Even so, it is eaten by the Ocean Sunfish and the Blue Rockfish, with neither having any ill-effects.
Sea Nettle ______ MD NC VA (ASC:506,510) (PAS:31) Cape Cod to Florida and Texas
Chrysaura quinquecirrha

Sea Nettle is relatively common in the more saline portions of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia and Maryland.

The sharp stings of the Sea Nettle can drive swimmers out of the water. The animal is mildly toxic. Contact with it usually results in a mild, itchy irritation, but a person stung severely may require hospitalization.
Lion's Mane (or Red Jellyfish) (ph) ______ (ASC:514) (PAS:31) along entire Atlantic Coast, and on the open sea
Cyanea capillata

The Lion's Mane is the largest jellyfish in the world. Specimens up to 8 feet wide have been found.
It is highly toxic.

In Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story, "The Adventure of the Lion's Mane", Sherlock Holmes solves a homicide caused by contact between the victim and this medusa in a tidepool.
Moon Jellyfish (ph) (*) ______ DE NC NJ(p) (ASC:502) (PAS:31) from the Arctic to Florida, the West Indies, and Mexico, more irregular south of Cape Cod MA
Aurelia aurita

The Moon Jellyfish is mildly toxic. Its sting causes a slight rash that may itch for several hours.

Moon Jellyfish
Above on a beach; below in the water
Cannonball Jellyfish (*) ______ FL (ASC:507,514) from the Chesapeake Bay to Texas, also West Indies
Stomolophus meleagris

The Cannonball Jellyfish floats near shore, sometimes occurring in large swarms.

HYDROIDS (Class Hydrozoa, Order Siphonophora: not true jellyfish)
Solitary Hydroid ______ (ASC:89) from the Arctic to Long Island Sound
Hybocodon pendula

Hybocodon pendula is called the "One-armed Jellyfish".
Tubularian Hydoid ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:88) Nova Scotia, Canada to Cape Hatteras NC; also North American Pacific coast
Tubularia crocea
Ringed Tubularian ______
Tubularia larynx
Tall Tubularian ______
Tubularia indivisa
Sparsely-branched Tubularian ______
Tubularia spectabilis
Clapper Hydromedusa ______ DE MD (ASC:84,494) from the Arctic to the Chesapeake Bay
Sarsia tubulosa
Feathered Hydroid ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:86) Maine to Florida and Texas, also West Indies
Pennaria tiarella
Club Hydroid ______ (ASC:87) Labrador to Long Island Sound
Clava leptostyla
Snail Fur ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:38) Labrador to Texas, also North American Pacific coast
Hydractinia echinata
Bougainvillia hydroids ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:80) from the Arctic to Florida and Texas, also West Indies, Mexico
Bougainvillia spp.
Constricted Jellyfish ______ (ASC:497) from the Arctic to Cape Cod MA
Catablema vesicarium
Stick Hydroid ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:82) from the Arctic to Texas, also West Indies, Bermuda, and California
Eudendrium ramosum

Stick Hydroids resemble a miniature forest. Related species in the Atlantic are the following three:
Red Stick Hydroid ______
Eudendrium carneum
White Stick Hydroid ______
Eudendrium album
Slender Stick Hydroid ______
Eudendrium tenue
Many-ribbed Hydromedusa ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:500) Maine to Texas, also off North American Pacific coast
Aequorea victoria (has been Aequorea aequorea)

Aequorea victoria is also called Crystal Jelly. It (and other related Aequorea species) are widespread "jellyfish" frequently washed up on beaches.
Aequorea victoria is luminescent, and at night one can see the outline of its parts in "living lights".
Wine-glass hydroids ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:77,75) Labrador to the West Indies and Venezuela, also North American Pacific coast
Campanularia spp.
Zig-zag Wine-glass Hydroid ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:78) from the Arctic to the West Indies, also North American Pacific coast
Obelia geniculata

The medusae of the Zig-zag Wine-glass Hydroid often swim with the bell turned inside out like a wind-blown umbrella.
Double-toothed Bushy Wine-glass Hydroid ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:79) Cape Cod MA to the West Indies
Obelia bidentata
White-cross Hydromedusa ______ (ASC:501) from the Arctic to Rhode Island
Staurophora metensi
Eight-ribbed Hydromedusa ______ (ASC:498) from the Arctic to Cape Cod MA
Melicertum octocostatum

The "eight ribs" of Melicertum octocostatum refer to 8 radial canals and gonads.
Elegant Hydromedusa ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:499) from the Arctic to Cape Hatteras NC
Tima formosa

The Elegant Hydromedusa occurs north of Cape Cod MA in the late summer and fall. It is year-round south of Rhode Island.
Halecium Hydroid ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:72) from the Arctic to Cape Hatteras NC, also North American Pacific coast
Halecium halecium
Flared Halecium Hydroid ______
Halecium tenellum
Bean's Halecium Hydroid ______
Halecium beani
Graceful Halecium Hydroid ______
Halecium gracile
Garland Hydroid ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:81) from the Arctic to Cape Hatteras NC
Sertularia pumila
Fern Garland Hydroids ______ (ASC:71) Labrador to Cape Cod, also North American Pacific coast
Abietinaria spp.
Silvery Hydroid ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:74) from the Arctic to Cape Hatteras NC, also North American Pacific coast, and Europe
Thuiaria argentea

The graceful Silvery Hydroid is called "White Weed" in England, where it is collected, dyed green, dried, and shipped to the United States for sale in flower shops as "Sea Fern".
Feathery Hydroids ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:67,69) Cape Cod to Texas, also Bermuda, and in the West Indies south to Brazil; also North American Pacific coast
Aglaophenia spp.
Angled Hydromedusa ______ (ASC:505) from the Arctic to Cape Cod MA, also North American Pacific coast
Gonionemus vertens
Chain Siphonophore ______ DE MD (ASC:487) Nova Scotia, Canada to the Chesapeake Bay
Stephanomia cara

Like other siphonophores, Stephanomia cara is a floating, free-swimming colony made up of individual polyps.
The colony moves slowly forward by the action of the pulsating bells, trailing its tentacles.
The Chain Siphonophore is delicate and breaks readily when handled.
Portuguese Man-of-war (ph) (*) ______ NC(p) NJ(p) (ASC:512,513) (PAS:31) normally Florida to Texas and Mexico, also in the West Indies including Bahamas
Physalia physalis

North of the range above, the Portuguese Man-of-war is at times driven ashore by storms from the Gulf Stream as far north as Cape Cod MA.

The Portuguese Man-of-war is highly toxic. Its tentacles contain one of the most powerful poisons known in any marine animal and they can inflict severe burns and blisters even when the animal is dead on the beach.

Portuguese Man-of-war
By the Wind Sailor ______ NC (ASC:515,516) (PAS:31) in warm waters, off both the North American Atlantic and Pacific coasts
Velella velella

Velella velella is a warm-water drifter, sometimes blown ashore from the Gulf Stream, as far north as Cape Hatteras NC, occasionally further.
Although the tentacles of the "Sailor" contain stinging cells, they are harmless to man.
Blue Buttons ______ NC (ASC:504) in warm waters, off both the North American Atlantic and Pacific coasts
Porpita linneana

Blue Buttons can be driven ashore from the Gulf Stream by storms as far north as Cape Hatteras NC, occasionally further.
Since the Blue Buttons does not have a sail, it is blown ashore less often than the Portuguese Man-of-war or the "Sailor".
in tropical waters, Blue Buttons can be seen by the thousands, dotting the water with blue for miles.

COMB JELLIES (Phylum Ctenophora)
Common Northern Comb Jelly ______ (ASC:491) (PAS:32) from the Arctic to Cape Cod, uncommon south of Maine
Bolinopsis infundibulum

The Common Northern Comb Jelly is the most common comb jelly north of Cape Cod occurring in the summer.
Leidy's Comb Jelly ______ MD VA (ASC:493) (PAS:32) from Cape Cod south, but irregular north of New Jersey
Mnemiopsis leidyi

The Leidy's Comb Jelly penetrates the nearly freshwater parts of estuaries of the Chesapeake Bay.
Beroe's Comb Jelly ______ (ASC:492) PAS:32) common in the Gulf of Maine, occurs south to Cape Cod
Beroe cucumis
Ovate Comb Jelly ______ DE MD VA (PAS:32) abundant north to the Chesapeake Bay, regular in the Delaware Bay
Beroe ovata

The above 2 species of Beroe's Comb Jellies are only distinguishable when they are mature, and not always then.
Sea Gooseberry ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:496) (PAS:32) the whole Atlantic Coast (of North America), less common southward
Pleurobrachia pileus
Arctic Sea Gooseberry ______ from the Arctic to the Gulf of Maine, sometimes in winter to Cape Cod; also North American Pacific coast
Mertensia ovum
Venus Girdle ______ NC (PAS:32)   tropical and oceanic
Cestum veneris

With a ribbon-like body, Cestum veneris is a Gulf Stream species that is rarely found inshore, most likely in the late summer and early fall.

MOLLUSKS (SHELLS)   (Phyllum Mollusca)

SEASHELLS are made by MOLLUSKS.

MOLLUSKS are invertebrate animals that produce shells of one or two pieces that wholly or partially enclose a soft body.

SHELLS are the skeletons of MOLLUSKS. Like the internal skeleton (endoskeleton) of a mammal, the external skeleton (exoskeleton) of mollusks function both for protection and as a place for muscle attachment.
A SHELL found on a beach is the skeletal remnant of a dead MOLLUSK.

MOLLUSKS are either snail-like animals with one shell (UNIVALVES, or GASTROPODS), or clam-like animals with two shells (BIVALVES). The two shells of a BIVALVE are held tightly together when the animal is alive.

A third group of MOLLUSKS are the CHITONS. An explanation as to what they are is below.

And another group of MOLLUSKS are the CEPHALOPODS, including SQUIDS and OCTOPUSES. These animals lack external shells, having instead internal or rudimentary shells.

CHITONS (Class Polyplacophora)

CHITONS are flattened, lozenge-shaped mollusks that are most often found tightly clamped on a rock.
In some species, the shells are completely obscured by the 8 shells down the CHITON'S back held in place by a girdle.
CHITONS vary in color, with some, as 2 of the species below, being red
Red Mottled Chiton ______ (ASC:370,374) (PS:74) circumpolar, along the North American Atlantic coast from the Arctic to Massachusetts
Tonicella marmorea
Red Northern Chiton ______ (PAS:19) from the Arctic to Massachusetts Bay, locally south to the Long Island Sound, also Pacific coast
Tonicella rubra

The Red Northern Chiton was described by Linnaeus in 1767.
White Northern Chiton ______ (ASC:380) (AS:444) circumpolar, along the North American Atlantic coast from Greenland to Massachusetts, also in the North Pacific in Alaska and south
Ischnochiton albus

The White Northern Chiton was described by Linnaeus in 1767.
Common Bee Chiton ______ DE MD NC VA (AS:428) (PAS:19) (PS:74) southern Maine to Florida
Chaetopleura apiculata

Another name for Chaetopleura apiculata is Common Eastern Chiton.

GASTROPODS (Class Gastropoda): snail-like mollusks with a one-part shell
Maurer's Slit-shell ______ (PS:39) off the Carolinas to northeast Florida, a rare species
Perotrochus maureri
Charleston Sllt-shell ______ (PS:39) off South Carolina
Perotrochus charlestonensis

LIMPETS (and KEYHOLE LIMPETS)
Cup-and-saucer Limpet ______ (PAS:19) Nova Scotia to Florida, rare south of Cape Cod
Crucibulum striatum
Cayenne Keyhole Limpet ______ FL MD NC VA (ASC:384) (AS:405) (PS:40) Maryland to Brazil
Diodora cayenensis
File Fleshy Limpet ______ FL NC (AS:402) (PS:40) North Carolina to Brazil
Lucapinella limatula
Atlantic Plate Limpet ______ (PS:41) from the Arctic Ocean to New York
Lottia testudinalis
Lottia testudinalis alveus ______ Eelgrass Limpet Maine to Connecticut

The largest specimens of Lottia testudinalis are found in the vicinity of Eastport, Maine.
Tortoise-shell Limpet ______ (ASC:383) (AS:386) (PAS:19) from the Arctic to Long Island Sound
Notoacmaca testudinalis

Another name for Notoacmaca testudinalis is Atlantic Plate Limpet.
Northern Blind Limpet ______ (PS:41) Greenland to Massachusetts
Lepeta caeca
Linne's Puncturella ______ (AS:409) (PS:41) circumpolar, in the western Atlantic south to Massachusetts
Puncturella noachina (or Puncturella princeps)

Linne's Puncturella was described by Linnaeus in 1771.

MARGARITES
Northern Rosy Margarite ______ (AS:257) (PS:43) Greenland to Massachusetts, also North American Pacific coast
Margarites costalis

Another name for Margarites costalis is Northern Ridged Margarite.
Striate Margarite ______ (AS:300) from the Arctic to Massachusetts, also Europe
Margarites striatus
Greenland Margarite ______ (ASC:468) (PS:43) Greenland to Massachusetts
Margarites groenlandicus

Another name for Margarites groenlandicus is Greenland Top Snail.
Smooth Margarite ______ (AS:293,681) (PS:43) Greenland to Massachusetts
Margarites helicinus

Another name for Margarites helicinus is Helicina Margarite.
Otto's Spiny Margarite ______ DE MD NC VA Newfoundland to North Carolina
Lischkeia ottoi

TOP SHELLS
Channeled Top Shell ______ FL NC VA Virginia to Florida
Solariella lacunella
Ornate Top Shell ______ DE MD VA (AS:301) Labrador to Virginia
Solariella obscura

Another name for Solariella obscura is Obscure Solarielle.
Little Ridged Top Shell ______ (AS:313) Labrador to Maine
Solariella varicosa

Another name for Solariella varicosa is Varicose Solarielle.
Sculptured Top Shell ______ FL NC (AS:263) (PS:41) Cape Hatteras to Mexico
Calliostoma euglyptum
Jubjube Top Shell ______ FL NC (AS:264) (PS:41) Cape Hatteras to Brazil
Calliostoma jujubinum

The Jubjube Top Shell is the most common of the shells in the Calliostoma genus along the North American Atlantic coast.
It is often washed up on beaches.
North Atlantic Top Shell ______ (ASC:458) (AS:253) (PS:41) Nova Scotia to Massachusetts
Calliostoma occidentalis

Another name for Calliostoma occidentalis is Pearly Top Snail.
Beautiful Top Shell ______ FL NC (AS:262) (PS:41) North Carolina to the West Indies
Calliostoma pulchrum
Dall's Rosy Top Shell ______ North Carolina to the West Indies
Calliostoma roseolum

LIOTIA SHELLS

The following genus ARENE has formerly been placed in either the family TURBINIDAE or the family CYCLOSTREMATIDAE.
Gem Arene ______ FL NC (AS:274) North Carolina to the West Indies
Arene tricarinata
Variable Arene ______ North Carolina to the West Indies
Arene variabilis

The Variable Arene is more common than the Gem Arene, but Arene variabilis lives in deeper water and is found only by dredging.

TURBANS
Knobby Turban ______ FL NC (AS:271) (PS:42) North Carolina to the West Indies and south to Brazil
Turbo castaneus

Another name for Turbo castaneus is Chestnut Turban.

PHEASANT SHELLS
Umbilicate Pheasant Shell ______ FL NC (PS:43) off North Carolina to Brazil
Tricolia thalassicola (formerly Phasianella umbilicata)

The Umbilicate Pheasant Shell was described in 1958.

CHINK SHELLS
Northern Lacuna ______ (ASC:474) (PAS:20) (PS:43) from the Arctic to Staten Island NY
Lacuna vincta

Lacuna vincta is also referred to as the Chink Snail, or Chink Shell.

PERIWINKLES
Common Periwinkle ______ DE (ASC:472) (PAS:20) (PS:44) Labrador to Maryland
Littorjna littorea

Littorina irrorata is said to have been brought to North America from Europe more than a century ago, with the first in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1857.
The Common Periwinkle was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Marsh Periwinkle ______ FL NC (ASC:473) (PAS:20) (PS:44) Maryland to the Gulf of Mexico
Littorina irrorata

Another name for Littorina irrorata is Gulf Periwinkle. In the past, it existed further north, as post-Pleistocene fossil specimens are commonly washed ashore (for example, along the Connecticut coast).
Angulate Periwinkle ______ FL from south Florida to Brazil, in mangroves
Littorina angulifera
Northern Yellow Periwinkle ______ (ASC:469) (PAS:20) (PS:44) from the Arctic to Long Island
Littorina obtusata

Another name for Littorina obtusata is Smooth Periwinkle. It was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Northern Rough Periwinkle ______ (ASC:470) (PS:43) from the Arctic Ocean to New Jersey
Littorina saxatilis

SWAMP SNAILS
Minute Hydrobia ______ Labrador to New Jersey
Hydrobia totteni

RISSOIDS
Decussate Risso ______ FL NC (PS:45) North Carolina to the West Indies
Rissoina decussata
Smooth Risso ______ FL NC (PS:45) North Carolina to the West Indies, also Bermuda
Zebina browniana

VITRINELLA SHELL
Beau's Vitrinella ______ FL NC (PS:45) from the Carolinas to Brazil
Cyclostremiscus beaui

CAECUMS
Cooper's Atlantic Caecum ______ DE FL MD NC VA Massachusetts to Florida
Caecum cooperi
Beautiful Caecum ______ DE FL MD NC VA Massachusetts to Florida
Caecum pulchellum

As it is so tiny, Caecum pulchellum could easily be missed by most searchers at the seashore.

SKENEA SNAIL
Flat-coiled Skeneopsis ______ DE FL MD NC VA Greenland to Florida
Skeneopsis planorbis

ATOM SNAIL
Atom Snail ______ Maine to Rhode Island
Omalogyra atomus

TURRET SHELLS and WORM SHELLS
Boring Turret Shell ______ FL NC (ASC:399) (PS:47) North Carolina to the West Indies
Turritella acropora
Eroded Turret Shell ______ (PS:42) Labrador to Massachusetts
Tachyrhynchus erosum
Knorr's Worm Shell ______ FL NC (PS:42) North Carolina to the West Indies, also Bermuda
Vermicularia knorri

The Knorr's Worm Shell is chiefly in sponges.
Common Worm Snail (or Common Worm Shell) ______ FL (ASC:475) (PAS:28) (PS:42) Florida to the West Indies
Vermicularia spirata

The Common Worm Snail has been said to occur in New England, notably Massachusetts, and especially Martha's Vineyard.
That population is considered by some to be a separate species, Vermicularia radicula.
Decussate Worm Shell ______ FL NC (PS:42) North Carolina to the West Indies
Serpulorbis decussata
Slit Worm Shell ______ (PS:42) off North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Siliquaria squamata

SUNDIALS
Common Sundial ______ FL NC (ASC:433) (PS:47) North Carolina to Brazil
Architectonica nobilis (has been Solarium granulatum)
Orbigny's Sundial ______ FL NC (PS:43) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Heliacus bisulcatus
Krebs' Sundial ______ FL NC (PS:44) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Philippia krebsi

MODULUS
Atlantic Modulus ______ FL NC (PS:46) off North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Modulus modulus

The Atlantic Modulus was described by Linnaeus in 1758.

HORN SHELLS
Ladder Horn Snail ______ FL (PS:46) South Carolina to the West Indies, also Bermuda
Cerithidea scalariformis

CERITHS and BITTIUMS (and the SARGASSUM SNAIL)
Florida Cerith ______ FL NC (ASC:402) (PS:46) North Carolina to Brazil
Cerithium atratum (or Cerithium floridanum)
Alternate Bittium ______ DE MD VA (ASC:405) (PAS:21) (PS:45) Massachusetts to Virginia
Bittium alternatum
Variable Bittium ______ MD FL NC VA (PAS:21) (PS:45) Maryland to Texas
Bittium varium
Sargassum Snail ______ FL NC (PS:53) Massachusetts to the West Indies
Litiopa melanostoma

The Sargassum Snail is a pelagic gastropod that lives in floating masses of sargassum weed.
specimens have been found in clumps blown ashore.
Awl Miniature Cerith ______ DE FL MD NC VA Massachusetts to Brazil
Cerithiopsis emersoni
Green's Miniature Cerith ______ DE FL MD NC VA Massachusetts to Brazil, also Bermuda
Cerithiopsis greeni
Adams' Miniature Cerith ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:53) Massachusetts to the West Indies
Seila adamsi (was Cerithiopsis terebralis)

TRIPHORAS
White Triphora ______ (PS:45) off North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Triphora melanura
Black-lined Triphora ______ DE FL MD NC VA Massachusetts to Brazil, also Bermuda
Triphora nigrocinta
Thomas' Triphora ______ FL NC North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Triforis turristhomae

PURPLE SEA SNAILS
Elongated Purple Sea Snail ______ FL NC (PS:47) the North American Atlantic coast in warm waters; also the Pacific coast
Janthina globosa
Common Purple Sea Snail ______ (ASC:466) (PAS:22) (PS:47) washes ashore north to Cape Cod; also Pacific coast
Janthina janthina

Janthina janthina is also called Violet Snail. It was described by Linnaeus in 1758.

Janthina janthina is a visitor from far offshore. It is a Gulf Stream drifter supported at sea by a froth of bubbles.
Dwarf Purple Sea Snail ______ FL NC (PS:47) the North American Atlantic coast in warm waters; also Pacific coast
Janthina exigua
Pallid Purple Sea Snail ______ FL (PS:47) worldwide in warm seas, pelagic
Janthina pallida

WENTLETRAPS
Northern Wentletrap ______ (PS:48) from the Arctic Ocean to Massachusetts
Acirsa borealis
Dall's Wentletrap ______ FL NC (PS:48) North Carolina to Brazil
Cirsotrema dalli
Angulate Wentletrap ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:395) (PS:48) Long Island NY to Texas, also Bermuda
Epitonium angulatum
Champion's Wentletrap ______ DE MD NC VA (PS:48) Massachusetts to North Carolina
Epitonium championi

The Champion's Wentletrap was described in 1952.
Greenland Wentletrap ______ (ASC:394) (PAS:21) (PS:48) circumpolar, in the western Atlantic south to Long Island
Epitonium greenlandicum

The Greenland Wentletrap is one of the showy shells of the North Atlantic. It makes up in bizarre sculpture what it lacks in size.
Epitonium greenlandicum lives in deep water.
Humphrey's Wentletrap ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:48) Massachusetts to Texas
Epitonium humphreysi
Krebs' Wentletrap ______ FL (PS:48) South Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Epitonium krebsii
Many-ribbed Wentletrap ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:48) Massachusetts to Texas, also Bermuda
Epitonium multistriatum
New England Wentletrap ______ FL NC VA (PS:48) Virginia to Brazil
Epitonium novangliae

The first specimen of Epitonium novangliae was taken from the stomach of a cod fish in New England, hence both the common and the scientific names.
However, not other specimens have ever been found alive north of Virginia.
Western Atlantic Wentletrap ______ FL (PS:48) South Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Epitonium occidentalis
Brown-banded Wentletrap ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:48) Massachusetts to Texas
Epitonium rupicola (was Epitonium lineatum)
Noble Wentletrap ______ FL NC (PS:48) North Carolina to the West Indies
Sthenorhytis pernobilis

FOSSARUS
Elegant Fossarus ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:45) Massachusetts to Florida
Fossarus elegans

HAIRY-KEELED SNAIL, CAP SHELLS
Northern Hairy-keeled Snail ______ Labrador to Massachusetts
Trichotropis borealis
Incurved Cap Shell ______ FL NC (PS:49) North Carolina to Brazil
Capulus incurvatus
Cap Shell ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:47) Greenland to the West Indies
Capulus ungaricus

The Cap Shell was described by Linnaeus in 1767.

CUP-AND-SAUCER LIMPETS, SLIPPER SHELLS
Circular Cup-and-saucer Limpet ______ FL NC (PS:45) Cape Hatteras to the West Indies
Calyptraea centralis
Striate Cup-and-saucer Limpet ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:49) Nova Scotia to Florida
Crucibulum striatum
Common Slipper Snail ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:462) (PAS:19) (PS:49) Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico
Crepidula fornicata

North of the range above, Crepidula fornicata occurs locally to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and it has occurred as an accidental in Europe.

The Common Slipper Shell was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Spiny Slipper Shell ______ FL NC (PS:49) North Carolina to the West Indies, also Bermuda, and the North American Pacific coast
Crepidula aculeata
Convex Slipper Shell ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:49) Massachusetts to the West Indies
Crepidula convexa
Eastern White Slipper Snail ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:49) Nova Scotia to Brazil, also Bermuda
Crepidula plana

CARRIER SHELL
Atlantic Carrier Shell ______ FL NC (PS:51) North Carolina to Brazil
Xenophora conchyliophora

PELICAN'S FOOT SHELL
American Pelican's Foot ______ DE MD NC VA (PS:47) Labrador to North Carolina
Aporrhais occidentalis

CONCH
Florida Fighting Conch ______ FL NC (PS:8,50) North Carolina to Texas and northeast Mexico
Strombus alatus

LAMELLARIA SHELL
Smooth Velutina ______ along the North American Atlantic coast, from Labrador to Massachusetts
Velutina velutina

ERATO SNAILS and TRIVIAS
Mauger's Erato ______ FL NC (PS:53) North Carolina to Brazil
Erato maugeriae
Antillean Trivia ______ FL NC (PS:53) North Carolina to Brazil
Trivia antillarum
Little White Trivia ______ FL NC (PS:53) North Carolina to the Lesser Antilles
Trivia candidula

COWRIES
Atlantic Deer Cowrie _____ FL (PS:10,51) off North Carolina to Cuba, also Bermuda
Cypraea cervus

The Atlantic Deer Cowrie was described by Linnaeus in 1771.
Yellow Cowrie ______ FL (PS:10,51) off North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Cypraea spurca acicularis

SIMNIAS
Common West Indian Simnia ______ FL NC (PS:9,53) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Simnia acicularis
Single-toothed Simnia ______ FL NC (PS:53) North Carolina to the West Indies
Simnia uniplicata
Flamingo Tongue (ph) ______ FL NC (ASC:449) (PS:9,49) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Cyphoma gibbosum

The Flamingo Tongue was described by Linnaeus in 1758. This hump-backed gastropod is generally found living on a sea fan or some other branching aquatic growth, where it clings tightly to one of the stems.

Flamingo Tongue

MOON SHELLS and NATICAS
Shark Eye (ph) ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:467) (PSA:22) (PS:54) Massachusetts Bay to the Gulf of Mexico
Polinices duplicatus

Another name for Polinices duplicatus is Lobed Moon Shell.

Polinices duplicatus is the most common moon shell on southern beaches, replacing the Northern Moon Shell (below, in this list) from New Jersey south.

Some Shark Eyes, or Moon Shells
(photo by Marie Gardner)
Immaculate Moon Shell ______ DE MD NC VA (PS:53) Gulf of the St. Lawrence to North Carolina
Polinices immaculatus
Northern Moon Shell ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:461) (PAS:22) (PS:54) Labrador to North Carolina
Lunatia heros

Lunatia heros is the most common large moon shell from Long Island north. It is a deep-water species southward.
Pale Northern Moon Shell ______ along the North American Atlantic coast, Greenland to New Jersey
Lunatia pallida

Polinices groenlandica and Polinices borealis are synonyms of Lunatia pallida.
Spotted Northern Moon Shell ______ DE MD NC VA (PS:54) Gulf of St. Lawrence to North Carolina
Lunatia triseriata

It has been said that the Spotted Northern Moon Shell is the juvenile stage of the Northern Moon Shell (above), but certain characteristics, particularly a relatively thick callus on the inner lip, seem to indicate a mature shell.
Iceland Moon Shell ______ DE MD VA from the Arctic Ocean to Virginia
Amauropsis islandica
Colorful Atlantic Natica ______ FL NC (PS:11,54) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Natica canrena

The Colorful Atlantic Natica was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Arctic Natica ______ DE MD NC VA (PS:54) circumpolar, in the western Atlantic from the Arctic Ocean to North Carolina
Natica clausa
Southern Miniature Moon Shell ______ DE FL MD NC VA Maine to Brazil
Natica pusilla
Semisulcate Moon Shell ______ FL NC (PS:54) North Carolina to the West Indies, an uncommon species
Sigatica semisulcata
Common Baby's Ear (or Ear Shell) ______ FL MD NC VA (ASC:465) (PAS:22) Maryland to Brazil
Sinum perspectivum

Sinum perspectivum has been reported north to NJ, but it is not common of Cape Henry, Virginia.
Maculated Baby's Ear ______ FL NC (PS:54) North Carolina to the West Indies
Sinum maculatum

HELMET SHELLS
Emperor Helmet (ph) ______ FL NC (ASC:434)   North Carolina to the West Indies, also Bermuda
Cassis madagascariensis

Cassis madagascariensis is also known as the Giant Queen Helmet, or simply the Queen Helmet.
The geographical reference in the scientific name is a misnomer. The shell does not occur there.

A more rounded form of Cassis madagascariensis with smaller and more numerous spines, occurring off the shores of the southeastern US, has been said to be a distinct subspecies, the Clench's Helmet, Cassis madagascariensis spinella.
It is now, however, considered to be a form of the typical Emperor, or Queen Helmet.
Scotch Bonnet (ph) ______ FL NC (ASC:454) (PAS:22) (PS:13,51) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Phalium granulatum

The Scotch Bonnet has formerly had the scientific names Semicassis inflata and Semicassis abbreviata.

The smooth Polished Scotch Bonnet, that has been said to Phalium cicatricosum, is a genetic form of Phalium grannulatum.

The Scotch Bonnet is the "state shell" of North Carolina.

The Scotch Bonnet, on each side

TRITONS
Dog-head Triton ______ FL (PS:12,55) South Carolina to the West Indies, also Bermuda
Cymatium caribbaeum
Dwarf Hairy Triton ______ FL NC (PS:55) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Cymatium vespaceum
Atlantic Distorsio ______ FL NC (PS:55) off North Carolina to Brazil
Distorsio clathrata
McGinty's Distorsio ______ FL NC (PS:55) off North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Distorsio macgintyi

TUN SHELL
Giant Tun Shell ______ FL NC (PS:55) North Carolina to Brazil
Tonna galea

The Giant Tun Shell was described by Linnaeus in 1758.

FIG SHELL
Paper Fig Shell ______ FL NC (PS:57) North Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico
Ficus communis

The Paper Fig Shell was formerly said to be Ficus, or Pyrula papyratia.

Carol's Fig Shell, that has been said to be Ficus carolae, may be a deep-water form of Ficus communis.

MUREX SHELLS (including DRILLS)
Red Murex ______ FL (PS:58) off North Carolina to the Bahamas
Murex recurvirostris
Pitted Murex ______ FL NC (PS:59) North Carolina to Brazil
Favartia cellulosus
Giant Eastern Murex ______ FL NC (PS:58) North Carolina to Florida and Texas
Hexaplex fulvescens
Apple Murex ______ FL NC (ASC:437) (PS58) North Carolina to Brazil
Phyllonotus pomum
Lace Murex ______ FL NC (ASC:438) (PS:58) North Carolina to Florida
Chicoreus florifer dilectus
Atlantic Oyster Drill ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:407) (PAS:20) (PS:59) Cape Cod to Florida
Urosalpinx cinerea
Thick-lipped Oyster Drill ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:59) Massachusetts to Florida
Eupleura caudata
Clathrate Trophon ______ from the Arctic Ocean to Maine
Boreotrophon clathratus

The Clathrate Trophon was described by Linnaeus in 1758.

ROCK SHELLS and DOGWINKLES
Florida Rock Shell ______ FL NC (ASC:415) (PS:59) North Carolina to Brazil
Thais haemastoma floridana

The typical Thais haemastoma is a shell of the Mediterranean.
Atlantic Dogwinkle ______ (ASC:456) (PAS:20) (PS:59) from the Arctic to the eastern Long Island Sound
Nucella lapillus (or Thais lapillus)

The Atlantic Dogwinkle was described by Linnaeus in 1758.

DOVE SHELLS
Greedy Dove Snail ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:406) Massachusetts to the Yucatan
Anachis avara
Fat Dove Shell ______ FL NC VA Virginia to Uruguay
Anachis obesa
Well-ribbed Dove Shell ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:62) Maine to Florida and eastern Mexico
Anachis lafresnayi

Anachis translirata is a synonym of Anachis lafresnayi.
Lunar Dove Snail ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:453) Massachusetts to Brazil
Mitrella lunata

Another name for Mitrella lunata is Crescent Mitrella.

NASSA MUD SNAILS
Eastern Mud Nassa ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:452) (PAS:20) (PS:62) Cape Cod to Florida, locally north to the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Nassarius obsoletus (or Ilyanassa obsoleta)

Another name for Nassarius obsoletus is Mud Dog Whelk.
Common Eastern Nassa ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:413) (PS:62) Massachusetts to the West Indies
Nassarius vibex

Another name for Nassarius vibex is Mottled Dog Whelk.
Variable Nassa ______ FL NC (PS:62) North Carolina to the West Indies
Nassarius albus
New England Nassa ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:412) (PS:62) Nova Scotia to South Carolina
Nassarius trivittatus

Another name for Nassarius trivittatus is New England Dog Whelk.

WHELKS and CROWN CONCHS

Shells that have been called DOG WHELKS are in the previous grouping of NASSA MUD SNAILS.
Waved Whelk ______ (ASC:408) (PAS:22) (PS:11,58) from the Arctic south to New Jersey, only in deep water south of Cape Cod
Buccinum undatum

Another name for Buccinum undatum is Common Northern Buccinum. It ws described by Linnaeus in 1758.

The young of Buccinum undatum are common in tide pools and shallow water in Maine.
Pygmy Whelk ______ DE MD NC VA Gulf of St. Lawrence to North Carolina
Colus pygmaeus
Spitsbergen Whelk ______ from the Arctic Ocean south in the western Atlantic to Nova Scotia
Colus spitzbergensis
Stimpson's Whelk ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:424) (PAS:22) (PS:58) Labrador to Cape Hatteras
Colus stimpsoni

The Stimpson's Whelk is found usually as much-worn beach shells north of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
New England Neptune ______ (PAS:22) (PS:58) Nova Scotia to Cape Cod
Neptunea decemcostata

Another name for Neptunea decemcostata is Ten-ridged Whelk.
Corded Neptune ______ (ASC:420,425)
Neptunea lyrata

Neptunea decemcostata (above) may be considered a subspecies of Neptunea lyrata.
Cande's Phos ______ FL NC (PS:46) North Carolina to Brazil
Antillophos candes
Tinted Cantharus ______ FL NC (PS:60) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Pisania tincta
False Drill ______ FL NC North Carolina to Texas and the West Indies
Cantharus multangulus
Channeled Whelk (ph) ______ NC (ASC:417) (PSA:22) (PS:57) chiefly from Cape Cod to north Florida
Busycon canaliculatum

The Channeled Whelk is the largest sea snail of the Atlantic coast of North America. It was described by Linnaeus in 1758.

A grouping of Channeled Whelks
(photo by Marie Gardner)
Knobbed Whelk ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:57) Massachusetts to north Florida
Busycon carica
Busycon carica eliceans ______ Kiener's Whelk FL NC North Carolina to east Florida

The Knobbed Whelk is the largest gastropod found north of Cape Hatteras.
Lightning Whelk ______ FL (ASC:427,428) (PS:57) South Carolina to Florida
Busycon contrarium
Pear Whelk ______ FL NC (PS:57) North Carolina to Florida and the Gulf states
Busycon spiratum
Busycon spiratum pyruloides ______ FL NC North Carolina to Florida

Busycon spiratum was Busycon pyrum.

TULIP SHELLS (including the HORSE CONCH)
Florida Horse Conch ______ FL NC (ASC:426) (PS:52)   North Carolina to Florida and eastern Mexico
Pleuroploca gigantea (formerly in the genus Fasciolaria)

One of the biggest shells in the world, the Florida Horse Conch is easily the largest shelled snail found in American waters. It is up to 24 inches long and 10 inches wide.
Older shells are usually well covered with various bryozoans, barnacles, tube worms, and other sedentary invertebrates.

The Florida Horse Conch was designated as the official shell of the state of Florida in 1969.
True Tulip Shell ______ FL NC (ASC:421) (PS:56) North Carolina to Brazil
Fasciolaria tulipa

The True Tulip Shell was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Banded Tulip Shell ______ FL NC (ASC:422) (PS:56)
Fasciolaria lillium
Fasciolaria lillium hunteria ______ FL NC Cape Hatteras NC to Florida and west to Alabama

OLIVE SHELLS

OLIVE SHELLS are so-called because their shape resembles that of an olive pit.
Lettered Olive ______ FL (ASC:441,442) (PAS:29) (PS:8,60) South Carolina to Florida
Oliva sayana (was Oliva litterata)

There is a pale yellowish to nearly golden variety of Oliva sayana that is unspotted. It is called the Golden Olive, Oliva sayana citrina, and is sought by collectors.

The Coast Indians, who lived in what is now the southeast US long before Europeans came, made necklaces of Lettered Olives.
Common Rice Olive ______ FL NC (PS:61) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Olivella floralia
Variable Dwarf Olive ______ FL NC (PS:61) North Carolina to Florida and the Bahamas
Olivella hiplicta (or Olivella mutica)
Jasper Dwarf Olive ______ FL NC (PS:61) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Jaspidella jaspidea

MITER SHELL
Beaded Miter ______ FL NC (ASC:403) (PS:62) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Mitra nodulosa (was Mitra granulosa)

VOLUTES
Gould's Volute ______ FL NC (PS:63) North Carolina to the West Indies
Scaphella gouldiana
Junonia ______ FL NC (ASC:423) (PS:14,63) North Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico
Scaphella junonia

Another name for Scaphella junonia is Juno's Volute.

NUTMEGS
Common Nutmeg ______ FL NC (ASC:416) (PS:60) North Carolina to Brazil
Cancellaria reticulata

The Common Nutmeg was described by Linnaeus in 1767.

Cancellaria conradiana is a fossil relative of Cancellaria reticulata.
Couthouy's Nutmeg ______ in the western Atlantic, from the Arctic to Massachusetts
Admete couthouyi
Arrow Dwarf Triton ______ FL NC (PS:62) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Tritonoharpa lanceolata

MARGINELLAS
Banded Marginella ______ FL NC North Carolina to the West Indies
Marginella aureocincta
Carmine Marginella ______ FL (PS:61) South Carolina to Brazil
Marginella hematita
Dentate Marginella ______ FL NC (PS:61) North Carolina to the West Indies
Marginella eburneola

The following genus, Prunum, is sometimes used as a subgenus of Marginella.
Common Marginella ______ FL NC (ASC:439) (PS:61) North Carolina to the West Indies
Prunum apicinum
Bell Marginella ______ FL NC (PS:61) North Carolina to Florida
Prunum bellum
Orange-banded Marginella ______ FL NC (PS:61) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Hyalina avena
Oat Marginella ______ FL NC North Carolina to Brazil
Hyalina avenacea (was Marginella succinea)
Velie's Marginella ______ FL (PS:61) South Carolina to Florida
Hyalina veliei

CONE SHELLS
Florida Cone ______ FL NC (PS:15,64) North Carolina to Florida
Conus floridanus
Sozon's Cone ______ FL (PS:64) South Carolina to Florida
Conus delessertii

AUGER SHELLS
Concave Auger ______ FL NC (ASC:397) North Carolina to Brazil
Terebra concava
Common Atlantic Auger ______ FL NC VA (ASC:398) (PAS:22) (PS:61) Virginia to the Gulf of Mexico
Terebra dislocata
Florida Auger ______ FL (PS:60) South Carolina to Florida
Terebra floridana
Fine-ribbed Auger ______ FL NC North Carolina to Texas, and in the West Indies
Terebra protexta
Salle's Auger ______ NC North Carolina, and in the West Indies south to Brazil
Terebra salleana

TURRET or TURRID SHELLS
Star Turrid ______ FL (PS:65) off North Carolina to the West Indies
Cochlespira radiata
Moser's Turret ______ FL NC North Carolina to Florida
Fenimorea moseri
Oyster Turret ______ (ASC:404)
Crassispira ostrearum
Cancellate Lora ______ Labrador to Massachusetts
Propebela cancellata
Harp Lora ______ Labrador to Rhode Island
Oenopota harpularia
Plicate Mangelia ______ DE FL MD NC VA Maine to Florida
Pyrgocythara plicosa

MELANELLA SHELLS
Golden-banded Eulima ______ FL NC North Carolina to the West Indies
Melanella auricincta
Two-lined Balcis ______ FL NC North Carolina to the West Indies
Balcis bilineata
Cone-like Balcis ______ FL NC Cape Hatteras NC to the West Indies
Balcis conoidea
Henderson's Niso ______ FL NC North Carolina to Florida
Niso hendersoni

Henderson's Niso was described in 1953. It was formerly misidentified as the Eastern Pacific Niso, Niso interrupta.

PYRAMID SHELLS
Brilliant Pyram ______ FL NC North Carolina to the West Indies
Pyramidella candida
Crenate Pyram ______ FL South Carolina to Florida
Pyramidella crenulata
Bush's Turbonille ______ Martha's Vineyard MA to Long Island Sound
Turbonilla bushiana
Dall's Turbonille ______ FL NC North Carolina to Florida
Turbonilla dalli
Interrupted Turbonille ______ DE FL MD NC VA Maine to Florida and the West Indies
Turbonilla interrupta
Claret Turbonille ______ FL NC North Carolina to Florida
Turbonilla punicea
Ovid Odostome ______ FL NC North Carolina to Brazil
Odostomia laevigata

Synonyms for Odostomia laevigata are Odostomia ovuloides, Odostomia schwengelae, Odostomia cooperi.
It is a variable species.
Three-banded Odostome ______ Maine to New Jersey
Odostomia trifida
Double-sutured Odostome ______ DE FL MD NC VA Gulf of St. Lawrence to Florida
Boonea bisuturalis
Incised Odostome ______ DE FL MD NC VA Massachusetts to Florida
Boonea imprressa
Half-smooth Odostome ______ DE FL MD NC VA Prince Edward Island, Canada to Florida
Boonea seminuda

various BUBBLE SHELLS and allies

including SMALL BUBBLE SHELLS, TRUE BUBBLE SHELLS, GLASSY BUBBLE SHELLS,
BARREL BUBBLE SHELLS, CANOE SHELLS, BARREL BUBBLES, WIDE-MOUTHED PAPER BUBBLES
Adams' Baby Bubble ______ DE FL MD NC VA Massachusetts to the West Indies
Acteon punctostriatus (has been placed in the genus Rictaxis)
Common Atlantic Bubble ______ FL NC (PS:65) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Bulla striata
Solitary Glassy Bubble ______ DE MD NC VA Massachusetts to North Carolina
Haminoea solitaria
Amber Glassy Bubble ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:65) Delaware to Texas, also Bermuda and in the West Indies
Haminoea succinea
Channeled Barrel Bubble ______ DE FL MD NC VA Canada to Mexico
Acteocina canaliculata

The Channeled Barrel Bubble is a diminutive snail that is commonly found clinging to an old oyster or clam shell, and also on decaying, floating timbers.
Cande's Barrel Bubble ______ FL NC Cape Hatteras NC to the West Indies
Acteocina candei
Ivory Barrel Bubble ______ FL NC Cape Hatteras NC to Florida
Acteocina eburnea
Common Canoe Shell ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:65) Gulf of St. Lawrence to the West Indies
Scaphander punctostriatus
Brown's Barrel Bubble ______ DE MD NC VA Greenland to North Carolina
Cylichna alba
Orbigny's Bubble ______ FL NC North Carolina to Brazil
Cylichna bidenata
File Paper Bubble ______ from the Arctic Ocean to Massachusetts
Philine lima (was Philine lineolata)
Quadrate Paper Bubble ______ DE MD NC VA Greenland to North Carolina
Philine quadrata

ELLOBIUM SHELLS
Eastern Melampus ______ DE FL MD NC VA (AS:361) (ASC:446,448) (PAS:20) Gulf of St. Lawrence to Gulf of Mexico, also Bermuda
Melampus bidentatus (was Melampus lineatus)

Melampus bidentatus is also called the Salt-marsh Snail.
Florida Melampus ______ DE MD NC VA Delaware to Louisiana
Melampus floridana

TUSK SHELLS (Class Scaphopoda)
Ivory Tusk Shell ______ FL NC (PS:17) North Carolina to Texas, and the West Indies
Graptacme eboreum
Ribbed Tusk Shell ______ DE MD NC VA Newfoundland to Cape Hatteras
Antalis occidentalis
Texas Tusk Shell ______ FL NC North Carolina to Texas
Dentalium americanum
Paneled Tusk Shell ______ FL NC North Carolina to the West Indies
Dentalium laqueatum
Carolina Cadulus ______ FL NC North Carolina to Texas
Polyschides carolinensis

The Carolina Cadulus is in a grouping of SWOLLEN TUSK SHELLS.

The following 3 groups, SEA BUTTERFLIES, SEA HARES, and NUDIBRANCHS, are in the Class Gastropoda.

SEA BUTTERFLIES (and NAKED SEA BUTTERFLIES)
Gibbose Cavoline ______ worldwide, pelagic in temperate and tropical seas
Cavolinia gibbosa
Inflexed Cavoline ______ in the Atlantic Ocean, pelagic in temperate and tropical waters
Cavolinia inflexa
Long-snout Cavoline ______ Martha's Vineyard MA south to the Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic Ocean
Cavolinia longirostris
Three-toothed Cavoline ______ (PS:65) worldwide, pelagic in temperate and tropical seas
Cavolinia tridentata
Uncinate Cavoline ______ worldwide, in temperate and tropical seas
Cavolinia uncinata
Three-spined Cavoline ______ worldwide, pelagic in temperate and tropical seas
Diacria trispinosa
Four-toothed Cavoline ______ worldwide, pelagic in temperate and tropical seas
Diacria quadridentata
Cuspidate Clio ______ worldwide, pelagic in temperate and tropical seas
Clio cuspidata
Pyramid Clio ______ worldwide, in arctic and temperate seas
Clio pyramidata

The Pyramid Clio was described by Linnaeus in 1767.
Wavy Clio ______ (PS:65) worldwide, in warm and temperate seas
Clio recurva
Common Clione ______ DE MD NC VA (PS:68) in the Atlantic off North America from the Arctic to North Carolina, also Pacific coast
Clione limacina

Common Clione is a food of whales. Sometimes it is washed ashore after strong winds.
Keeled Clio ______ worldwide, pelagic in temperate and tropical seas
Styliola subula
Straight Needle Pteropod ______ worldwide, pelagic in temperate and tropical seas
Creseis acicula
Curved Needle Pteropod ______ in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, pelagic, can be abundant near the ocean surface
Creseis virgula
Cigar Pteropod ______ worldwide, pelagic in temperate and tropical seas
Cuvierina columnella (was Herse columnella)

SEA HARES (and STILIGER)

SEA HARES are so-called because of the resemblance of their second pair of antennae to a hare's long ears, and the similarity of the animal's general shape to that of a crouched hare.
Willcox's Sea Hare ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:30) (PS:66) Cape Cod to the Gulf of Mexico
Aplysia willcoxi

Synonyms of Aplysia willcoxi are Aplysia floridensis and Aplysia brasiliana.
Ragged Sea Hare ______ FL NC (ASC:148) (PS:66) North Carolina to Brazil
Bursatella leachi
Dusky Stiliger ______ DE MD VA (PS:70) New Hampshire to Virginia
Stiliger fuscata

NUDIBRANCHS and allies

NUDIBRANCHS are multi-colored "sea slugs" that, because of their delicate beauty, have been called "butterflies of the sea".
Hairy Doris ______ (ASC:222) along the North American Atlantic coast from the Arctic to Connecticut, also Pacific coast
Acanthodoris pilosa
Atlantic Ancula ______ (ASC:205) from the Arctic to Massachusetts
Ancula gibbosa
White Atlantic Cadlina ______ (ASC:223) from the Arctic to Cape Cod MA, also Europe
Cadlina laevis

Another name for Cadlina laevis is White Atlantic Doris. It was described by Linnaeus in 1767.
Rough-mantled Doris ______ (ASC:229,230) along the North American Atlantic coast from the Bay of Fundy to Rhode Island, also Pacific coast
Onchidoris bilamellata
Bushy-backed Sea Slug ______ (ASC:208) along the Atlantic coast from the Arctic to New Jersey, also Pacific coast
Dendronotus frondosus
Red-gilled Nudibranch ______ (ASC:202) (PAS:45) along the Atlantic coast from the Arctic to Cape Cod, also Pacific coast
Coryphella rufibranchialis
Salmon-gilled Nudibranch ______ (ASC:203,204) Greenland to Massachusetts Bay
Coryphella salmonacea
Maned Nudibranch ______ (PAS:45) (PS:73) along the Atlantic coast from Bay of Fundy to Cape Cod, rarely south to Maryland, also North Pacific and Europe
Aeolidia papillosa

Another name for Aeolidia papillosa is Papillose Eolis.
Frond Eolis ______ (PS:71) from Arctic seas to New Jersey, also Pacific coast of North America, and Europe and Japan
Dendronotus frondosus
Dubious Polycera ______ (PS:70) Greenland and from Labrador to Connecticut
Polycera dubia
Humm's Polycera ______ FL NC North Carolina to northern Florida
Polycera hummi
Coronate Doto ______ DE MD NC VA (PS:72) Newfoundland, and eastern US, also Europe
Doto coronata
Boston Facelina ______ (PS:72) Nova Scotia to Connecticut
Facelina bostoniensis
Western Atlantic Dondice ______ FL NC (PS:73) North Carolina to Brazil
Dondice occidentalis

BIVALVES (Class Bivalva)
Boreal Awning Clam ______ (PS:19) Nova Scotia to Connecticut
Solemya borealis
Atlantic Awning Clam ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:18) Nova Scotia to Florida
Solemya velum
Atlantic Nut Clam (or Near Nut Shell) ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:329) (PAS:23) Maine to Florida
Nucula proxima
Cancellate Nut Clam ______ DE MD VA Cape Cod to Virginia
Nucula atacellana
Delphinula Nut Clam ______ DE MD (PS:18) Labrador to Maryland
Nucula delphinodonta
Atlantic Nut Clam ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:18) Nova Scotia to Texas, also Bermuda
Nucula proxima
Smooth Nut Clam ______ DE MD (PS:18) Labrador to Maryland
Nucula tenuis

The Smooth Nut Clam has been said to be Nucula expansa.
Pointed Nut Clam ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:18) Massachusetts to Texas, also in the West Indies
Nuculana acuta
Carpenter's Nut Clam ______ FL NC (PS:18) North Carolina to the West Indies
Nuculana carpenteri
Minute Nut Clam ______ Labrador to Maine
Nuculana minuta
Muller's Nut Clam ______ Greenland to Massachusetts
Nuculana pernula
Thin Nut Clam (or Sulcate Nut Clam) ______ (ASC:301) Gulf of the St. Lawrence to Rhode Island
Nuculana tenuisulcata

Nuculana tenuisulcata has common been found in the stomachs of codfish.
Arctic Yoldia ______ Greenland to the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Yoldia arctica
File Yoldia ______ (ASC:300) (PAS:23) (PS:19) Gulf of St. Lawrence to Long Island Sound
Yoldia limatula
Comb Yoldia ______ (PS:18) Labrador to Massachusetts
Yoldsia myalis
Short Yoldia ______ DE MD NC VA (PS:18) Labrador to North Carolina
Yoldia sapotilla
Broad Yoldia ______ DE MD NC VA (PS:19) from the Arctic Ocean south to North Carolina
Yoldia thraciaeformis
Veiled Clam ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:23) Nova Scotia to Florida
Solemya velum
Mossy Ark ______ FL NC (PS:19) North Carolina to the West Indies, and Brazil, Bermuda
Arca imbricata
Turkey Wing ______ FL NC (PS:19) North Carolina to the West Indies, also Bermuda
Arca zebra
White-bearded Ark ______ FL NC (ASC:323) (PS:19) North Carolina to Texas, and in the West Indies
Barbatia candida
White Miniature Ark ______ FL NC (PS:18) Cape Hatteras, NC to the West Indies, also Bermuda
Barbatia domingensis
Adams' Miniature Ark ______ FL NC (PS:18) Cape Hatteras, NC to Brazil
Arcopsis adamsi
Incongruous Ark ______ FL NC (PS:19) North Carolina to Brazil
Anadata brasiliana
Cut-ribbed Ark ______ FL NC (PS:19) North Carolina to Texas and in the West Indies
Anadata floridana
Blood Ark ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:369) (PS:19) Massachusetts to the West Indies, and to Brazil
Anadara ovalis
Transverse Ark ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:19) Massachusetts to Texas, and in the West Indies
Anadara transversa
Ponderous Ark ______ FL NC (ASC:367) (PAS:26) (PS:19) Cape Cod to Gulf of Mexico, shells north of VA are probably fossils
Noetia ponderosa
Sulcate Limopsis ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:19) Massachusetts to the West Indies
Limopsis sulcata
American Bittersweet ______ FL NC VA (PS:19) Virginia to Brazil
Glycymeris americana
Comb Bittersweet ______ FL NC (ASC:365) (PS:19) North Carolina to the West Indies
Glycymeris pectinata
Atlantic Bittersweet ______ FL NC (PS:19) North Carolina to the West Indies, and to Brazil
Glycymeris undata

The Atlantic Bittersweet was described by Linnaeus in 1758.

MUSSELS

MUSSELS are popular bivalve molluscs that have oval blue-black shells. The mussel meat varies in color from a deep ochre to pale taupe, depending on where they have been harvested.
Mussels are harvested in the wild, but they are also extensively farmed on ropes or stakes and in sheltered beds. They are commonly regarded as one of the most sustainable types of seafood.

Available year-round, mussels are at times sold live in the shell, while at other times and places precooked or canned in brine or vinegar. Smoked mussels are also available.

Although most commercially available mussels are farmed, which guarantees a high level of cleanliness, they should still be thoroughly scrubbed under cold, running water, but not left to soak in the water.

Mussels should be discarded if they broken or damaged shells or open ones that do not shut immediately when sharply tapped (referring to live mussels).

With a sweet flavor and creamy texture, mussels can be steamed with lemon and parsley, or stuffed and baked to make a classic antipasti.
A substitute for mussels can be clams.
Northern Horse Mussel ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:294) (PAS:24) (PS:20) Circumpolar, south to northern Florida
Modiolus modiolus
Modiolus modiolus squamosus ______ False Tulip Mussel FL NC North Carolina to the West Indies

The Northern Horse Mussel was described by Linnaeus in 1758. It is considered inedible.
Tulip Mussel ______ FL NC (PS:20) North Carolina to the West Indies
Modiolus americanus
Ribbed Mussel ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:295) (PAS:24) (PS:20) Cape Cod to Florida, locally north to Gulf of St. Lawrence
Ischadium demissum (or Modiolus demissus)
Hooked Mussel ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:18) Cape Cod, MA to the West Indies
Ischadium recurvum
Blue Mussel (ph) ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:293) (PAS:24) (PS:20) circumpolar, south to South Carolina
Mytilus edulis

The Blue Mussel was described by Linnaeus in 1758.

Above: shells of Blue Mussel
Below: not only do people enjoy the taste of mussels,
so do cats, including this one named Herman.
Before he began drinking the juice, he put his paw into the bowl.
In the next photo below, there's a shell much like his paw.
(lower photo by Rise Hill)
Scorched Mussel ______ FL NC (PS:18) Cape Hatteras to the West Indies, and to Brazil
Brachidontes exustus

The Scorched Mussel was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Artist's Mussel ______ FL NC (PS:21) North Carolina to the West Indies
Gregariella coralliophaga

The Artist's Mussel has been said to be Mytilus opifex. It is a variable species.
Paper Mussel ______ FL MD NC VA (PS:18) Maryland to Florida
Amydalum papyrium
Discord Mussel ______ Labrador to Long Island, NY
Musculus discors

The Discord Mussel was described by Linnaeus in 1767.
Lateral Mussel ______ FL NC (PS:23) North Carolina to the West Indies, and to Brazil
Musculus lateralis
Little Black Mussel ______ DE MD NC VA from the Arctic Ocean to North Carolina
Musculus niger
Little Bean Mussel ______ Greenland to Nova Scotia
Crenella faba
Grandular Bean Mussel ______ DE MD NC VA Labrador to North Carolina
Crenella glandula
Cinnamon Mussel ______ FL NC (PS:20) North Carolina to the West Indies, also Bermuda
Botula fusca
Scissor Date Mussel ______ FL NC (PS:20) North Carolina to the West Indies
Lithophaga aristata
Mahogany Date Mussel ______ FL NC (PS:20) North Carolina to the West Indies, also Bermuda
Lithophaga bisulcata
False Zebra Mussel ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:21,26) New York to Texas
Mytilopsis leucophaeata

PEARL OYSTER
Atlantic Winged Oyster ______ FL NC (PS:21) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Pteria colymbus

PEN SHELLS
Half-naked Pen Shell ______ FL NC North Carolina to Argentina
Atrina seminuda

The Half-naked Pen Shell (above) and the Stiff Pen Shell (below) occupy the same range in North America and can not externally be distinguished from each other, although the Half-naked Pen Shell is usually a more tan-purple coloration.
Differences are in the soft parts and muscle scars.
Stiff Pen Shell ______ FL NC (ASC298,354) (PS:21) North Carolina to the West Indies
Atrina rigida
Saw-toothed Pen Shell ______ FL NC (ASC:299) (PS:21) North Carolina to the West Indies
Atrina serrata

SCALLOPS (and the Kitten's Paw)
Kitten's Paw (ph) ______ FL NC (ASC:361) (PS:25) North Carolina to the West Indies
Plicatula gibbosa

Kitten's Paw

The following 4 genera are in the family PECTINIDAE, the SCALLOPS.

With pretty fan-shaped corrugated shells, SCALLOPS are an appreciated shellfish found in most oceans of the world.
SCALLOPS are bivalve molluscs, but unlike others, they live in deeper waters and move freely by expelling water from their shells.

SCALLOPS are both harvested in the wild and farmed in some countries. Harvesting by hand-divers is more environmentally sound than dredging.

A freshly opened scallop reveals a fill or skirt around the edge, gills and intestinal sac, all of which are discarded.
The edible jewels are the white disc of meat (abductor muscle) and the coral-colored roe. The white meat is sweet, succulent and tender, while the coral has a stronger flavor. In some countries, the coral is either dried for use in sauces or discarded altogether.
Scallop dishes are often served in the shells so even if one is buying prepared scallops, it's worth asking the fish store for the upper, curved half-shell.

The simplest way of enjoying scallops is to pan-fry them, which sears the outside and makes the scallops particularly sweet. They may be served with mayonnaise or with oil and lemon juice, or even skewered with vegetables.
Ravenel's Scallop ______ FL NC (PS:22) North Carolina to the West Indies
Euvola raveneli
Zigzag Scallop ______ FL NC (PS:22) North Carolina to the West Indies
Euvola ziczac

The Zigzag Scallop was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Iceland Scallop ______ (ASC:355) (PS:22) from the Arctic south to Maine, locally to Cape Cod
Chlamys islandicus
Calico Scallop ______ FL MD NC VA (PS:4,22) Maryland to Brazil, but generally south of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Argopecten gibbus

The Calico Scallop was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Atlantic Bay Scallop ______ FL MD NC VA (ASC:353) (PAS:26) (PS:3,22) Nova Scotia to Florida, more so south of Cape Cod
Argopecten irradians (or Aequipecten irradians)

In Maryland, the Atlantic Bay Scallop occurs in coastal bays behind Ocean City and Assateague Island.

Bay Scallops grow quickly, breeding when a year old and rarely living up to 2 years.
Lion's Paw (ph) ______ FL NC (ASC:352) (PS:3,22) Cape Hatteras to Brazil, also Bermuda
Nodipecten nodosus

The Lion's Paw was described by Linnaeus in 1758. It is a large handsome scallop that is prized by shell collectors.
The hollow bumps along the ribs are reminiscent of the knuckles on the toes of a lion.

Above & below: the Lion's Paw Scallop
Below as it appears in the sea.
Atlantic Deep-sea Scallop ______ NC VA (ASC:356) (PAS:26) (PS:22) Labrador to Cape Cod, locally south to North Carolina in deeper water
Placopecten magellanicus
Rough Scallop ______ FL NC (PS:22) North Carolina to the West Indies
Aequipecten muscosus
Spathate Scallop ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:24) Cape Cod to the West Indies
Cryptopecten phrygium

FILE SHELLS
Antillean File Shell ______ FL NC (ASC:325) North Carolina to the West Indies
Lima pellucida
Rough File Shell ______ FL (ASC:350) off South Carolina to Brazil
Lima scabra
Small-eared File Shell ______ DE FL MD NC VA Greenland to the West Indies
Limatula subauriculata

JINGLE SHELLS
Prickly Jingle Shell ______ Labrador to Cape Cod, rarely south to Long Island
Anomia squamula (or Anomia aculeata)

North of Cape Cod, Anomia squamula (or aculeata) generally replaces Anomia simplex (below)

The Prickly Jingle Shell was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Common Jingle Shell ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:345) (PAS:24) (PS:25) Cape Cod to the Caribbean
Anomia simplex

In days gone by, an old name for Common Jingle Shells was "Mermaid's Toenails".

The following is a beachcomer's poem about JINGLE SHELLS:

We collect the JINGLE SHELLS so numberous
By means of ulna, radius, and humerus,
And bring them to creative dreamers
On tired tubias and fibulas and femurs.

OYSTERS
Atlantic Thorny Oyster ______ FL NC (ASC:349) (PS:25) off North Carolina to Brazil
Spondylus americanus
Eastern Oyster ______ FL MD NC VA (ASC:289) (PAS:32) (PS:25) Cape Cod to Gulf of Mexico, locally north to Gulf of St. Lawrence
Crassostrea virginica

The common edible oyster of the eastern seaboard of North America, the Eastern Oyster, Crassostrea virginica, has been popular as food and heavily harvested . Its total range is in Atlantic coastal waters from Canada to Argentina.
Crassostrea virginica has been called the Common Atlantic Oyster.

At its peak, the oyster catch (of Crassostera virginica) in the US state of Maryland was the largest in the world, yielding 15 million bushels a year.
The catch had declined by the mid-1980s to about 1 million bushels a year, when a pair of parasitic diseases, MSX and Dermo, ravaged oyster beds and drove the harvest down even more.
The harvest during the season from October 2010 to March 2011 was 121,173 bushels.

Since 1980, watermen in Maryland have taken about 25 per cent of the remaining oysters every year. Scientists say that rate continues to reduce the population.
A scientific study in August 2011 indicates that the ecologically important bivalves in Maryland are even more depleted than previously believed, and that continuing to catch them risks the elimination of them altogether in much of the upper Chesapeake Bay.

Having said all this, Eastern Oysters are prolific. Each female routinely spawns 10 to 20 million eggs. Large oysters may spawn up to 100 million.
An oyster may change its sex several times in successive seasons, but larger ones are generally functional females. A large oyster may spawn several times in one year.

Not all Oysters have the same shape. Pacific Oysters are oval. European Oysters are flat and round.
American oysters, from the Eastern Seaboard of the US, Crassostrea virginica, are similar but with a slightly more elongated shape.

With a powerful muscle that holds the shell shut, oysters filter nutrients from the vast quantity of seawater they take in daily, and they can be difficult to open.

Some oyster varieties, notably Pacific Oysters, are farmed extensively. Oysters must be harvested from purified or unpolluted water once landed, to ensure that they are safe to eat.

Oysters are available live in the shell, canned in brine, and smoked. Live oysters should be kept chilled and lightly covered, with the flat shell uppermost to prevent loss of the salty liquor.

There are various methods for opening oysters. If prying (or prising) them, open with a knife. A proper oyster knife is the safest option because a more flexible blade can snap and cause injury. If they are to be cooked, they can be put into a very hot oven for a few moments until they open.

The whorls on the shells and, more importantly, the flavor of oysters greatly depends on their diet. Flavors can be sweet, metallic, grassy, or nutty.
The texture of a raw oyster varies by type and season, ranging from soft and creamy to firm and meaty. During the summer they become milky and soft. Hence, the expression that oysters are best "during the months with a letter r".

Oysters are often served simply with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Crested Oyster ______ FL NC VA (PS:25) Virginia to Brazil
Ostreola equestris
Coon Oyster ______ FL NC (ASC:359) (PS:25) North Carolina to the West Indies
Dendrostrea frons

The Coon Oyster was described by Linnaeus in 1758.

Raccoons like to feed on Coon Oysters, hence their common name.
Sponge Oyster ______ FL NC (PS:25) North Carolina to the West Indies
Cryptostrea permollis

CLAMS (including COCKLES)
Boreal Astarte ______ (ASC:341) (PS:26) circumpolar, in the western Atlantic from Greenland to Massachusetts
Astarte borealis

Astarte was the Phoenician goddess of love. Astarte borealis is also called the Northern Astarte.
Elliptical Astarte ______ (PS:26) Greenland to Massachusetts
Astarte elliptica
Chestnut Astarte ______ (PAS:25) (PS:26) Nova Scotia to New Jersey (around Ocean City)
Astarte castanea
Lentil Astarte ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:26) Labrador to Florida
Astarte subaequilatera
Wavy Astarte ______ DE MD (ASC:340) (PS:26) Labrador to Maryland
Astarte undata
Carolina Marsh Clam ______ FL NC VA (ASC:337) (PAS:28) (PS:27) Virginia to Texas
Polymesoda caroliniana
Black Clam (ph) ______ (ASC:339) (PAS:28) (PS:27) from the Arctic Ocean to Cape Cod, further south in deeper water to North Carolina
Arctica islandica

Arctica islandica is also called Ocean Quahog. The species was described by Linnaeus in 1767.

A key characteristic of Arctica islandica is its amazing lifespan. Scientists at Bangor University have recently found a specimen that lived for more than 500 years, making the species the longest-lived non-colonial animal so far discovered.
As with trees, Arctica islandica deposits annual bands in its shell and these can be used to determine its age. From the bands, changes can be analyzed relating to sea temperatures over the centuries, and because Arctica islandica is apparently resistant to some common indictors of ageing, it has the potential for research into that process in various forms of life.



Above & below: Black Clam
In the lower photo, showing the black outside
and the white inside



The Family VENERIDAE are the Venus Clams. In that large family are the genera below, Macrocallista and Mercenaria.
Sunray Venus ______ FL NC (ASC:302) (PS:31) North Carolina to Florida
Macrocallista nimbosa
Calico Clam ______ FL NC (PS:31) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Macrocallista maculata

The Calico Clam was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Queen Venus ______ FL NC North Carolina to the West Indies
Ventricolaria rugatina
Cross-barred Venus ______ FL NC (PS:30) North Carolina to the West Indies
Chione cancellata

The Cross-barred Venus was described by Linnaeus in 1767.
Lady-in-waiting Venus ______ FL NC (PS:24) North Carolina to the West Indies
Chione intapurpurea
Imperial Venus ______ FL NC (PS:30) North Carolina to the West Indies
Chione latilirata
Gray Pygmy Venus ______ FL NC (PS:23) North Carolina to Florida
Chione grus
Empress Venus ______ FL (PS:30) South Carolina to Brazil
Circomphalus strigillinus
Glory-of-the-Seas Venus ______ FL NC (PS:31) North Carolina to Brazil
Callista eucymata
Atlantic Cyclinella ______ FL NC (PS:30) North Carolina to the West Indies
Cyclinella tenuis
Stimpson's Transennella ______ FL NC North Carolina to Florida and the Bahamas
Transennella stimpsoni
Waxy Gould Clam ______ FL NC (PS:23) North Carolina to the West Indies, also Bermuda
Gouldia cerina
Hard-shelled Clam (or Northern Quahog) ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:338) (PAS:28) (PS:30) from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Florida
Mercenaria mercenaria

North of the range given above, the Quahog, as it is called in New England, occurs less commonly and locally north to Maine, and then more so in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Commercial names for Mercenaria mercenaria are based upon size:
The Littleneck Clam is up to about 1 and a half inches.
The Cherrystone Clam is up to about 2 inches.
The Chowder Clam is up to about 3 inches or more.

Mercenaria mercenaria grows quickly, but may live up to 25 years.
The species was described by Linnaeus in 1758. The word "Mercenaria" comes from the shell's use in making Indian money or wampum.
Southern Quahog ______ MD NC VA (ASC:336) (PS:30) from the Chesapeake Bay and off New Jersey to Florida
Mercenaria campechiensis

Mercenaria campechiensis is larger than Mercenaria mercenaria (above), and it is rarely purple-stained.
Hybrids between the two species are common. Variants are difficult to distinguish.

In addition to the range given above, the Southern Quahog also occurs along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and in Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.
False Quahog ______ DE MD NC VA (PS:31) Prince Edward Island, Canada to North Carolina
Pitar morrhuana

Pitar morrhuana is like a small Quahog, growing up to only 2 inches long.
Lightning Venus ______ FL NC (PS:31) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Pitar fulminatus
Gibbs' Clam ______ FL NC (PS:27) North Carolina to the West Indies
Eucrassatella speciosa
Amethyst Gem Clam (or Gem Shell) ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:25) Nova Scotia to Texas
Gemma gemma

As are the clams in Macrocallista and Mercenaria, Gemma gemma (above) and those that follow in the genera Dosinia and Liocyma are in the family VENERIDAE, the Venus Clams.
Disk Dosinia (or Disk Shell) ______ FL NC VA (ASC:334) (PAS:25) (PS:31) Virginia to Gulf of Mexico
Dosinia discus
Elegant Dosinia ______ FL NC (PS:31) North Carolina to Gulf of Mexico
Dosinia elegans
Wavy Clam ______ (PS:24) Greenland to Maine
Liocyma fluctuosa

CLAMS have a round, meaty body with a small amount of roe, and they come in a myriad of sizes and colors.

Clams as seafood are usually sold live because they deteriorate rapidly after death. Some, however, are cooked, extracted from the shell and canned in brine or juice or packed in vinegar.
When obtained live, clams should either be cooked immediately or stored briefly in a refrigerator. Water should not be added as it would kill them.

To prepare clams, they should be rinsed thoroughly under cold, running water to remove as much grit as possible. The shells should be closed, or close immediately when sharply tapped. Any that either remain open or have cracked or damaged shells should be discarded.

Clams can be eaten raw if they are properly treated when harvested or if they come from very clean water.
After shucking, they can be served with a sauce or lemon juice.

Clams are often steamed in a small quantity of liquid, such as stock, wine, or water, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the shell has opened completely. If cooked too long, they become tough.
They may be eaten straight from the shell or removed to be with sauces or salads.
The cooking liquid is a flavorsome addition to calm dishes, but should be filtered through a strainer to remove any traces of grit.

In the eastern US, clam chowders of various kinds, are popular.
Soft-shelled Clam ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:316) (PAS:28) (PS:38) from the Subarctic to Cape Hatteras, NC
Mya arenaroa

The Soft-shelled Clam was described by Linnaeus in 1758.

Other names for Mya arenaroa are Steamer Clam, Long Neck Clam, Long Clam, Gaper, and Nannynose.
All of these are names of the clam south of Cape Cod.
In New England, where it is simply called "The Clam", it is usually fried.

Persistent clamming has made specimens of Soft-shelled Clams as large as 6 inches rare and difficult to find.
Truncate Soft-shelled Clam ______ (PS:38) Greenland to Massachusetts
Mya truncata

The Truncate Soft-shelled Clam was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Ovate Paramya ______ FL NC North Carolina to Florida
Paramya subovata
Atlantic Cleft Clam ______ DE FL MD NC VA Nova Scotia to the West Indies
Thyasira trisinuata

LUCINES
Pennsylvania Lucine ______ FL NC (PS:28) North Carolina to the West Indies
Lucina pensylvanica

The Pennsylvania Lucine was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Decorated Lucine ______ FL NC North Carolina to Brazil
Lucina amiantus
Four-ribbed Lucine ______ FL NC North Carolina to the West Indies
Lucina leucocyma
Atlantic Lucine ______ MD (PS:27) Maryland (described in 1936)
Lucinoma atlantis
Northern Lucine ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:27) Newfoundland to Florida
Lucinoma filosus
Many-line Lucine ______ FL NC North Carolina to Florida, also Brazil
Parvilucina multilineata
Woven Lucine ______ FL NC (PS:24) North Carolina to Florida
Phacoides nassula
Thick Lucine ______ FL NC (PS:27) North Carolina to the West Indies
Phacoides pectinatus
Buttercup Lucine ______ FL NC (ASC:333) (PS:28) North Carolina to the West Indies
Anodontia alba
Chalky Buttercup ______ FL NC (PS:28) North Carolina to the West Indies, also Bermuda
Anodontia philippiana
Costate Lucine ______ FL NC (PS:28) North Carolina to the West Indies
Codakia costata
Dwarf Tiger ______ FL NC (PS:28) North Carolina to the West Indies
Codakia orbiculata
Cross-hatched Lucine ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:331) (PAS:25) (PS:28) Cape Cod to Brazil
Divaricella quadrisulcata
Lunate Crassinella ______ DE FL MD NC VA Massachusetts to Brazil
Crassinella lunulata (was Gouldia mactracea)
Domingo Cardita ______ (PS:24) southeast US and the West Indies, offshore
Glans dominguensis
Northern Cardita ______ (PAS:26) (PS:27) from the Arctic Ocean to Cape Cod, occasionally south to Cape Hatteras
Cyclocardia borealis
Flat Cardita ______ FL NC North Carolina to Florida
Pteromeris perplana
Three-toothed Cardita ______ FL NC (PS:24) North Carolina to Florida
Pleuromeris tridentata
Atlantic Diplodon ______ FL NC (PS:24) North Carolina to the West Indies, also Bermuda
Diplodonta punctata
Verrill's Diplodon ______ DE MD NC VA (PS:27) Massachusetts to North Carolina
Diplodonta verrilli
Florida Marsh Clam ______ FL (PS:27) Georgia and Florida
Cyrenoida floridana
Corrugated Jewel Box ______ FL NC (PS:28) North Carolina to the West Indies, also Bermuda
Chama congregata
Leafy Jewel Box (ph) ______ FL NC (ASC:347) (PS:28) North Carolina to the West Indies
Chama macerophylla
Spiny Jewel Box ______ FL NC (ASC;348) (PS:29) North Carolina to Florida
Arcinella cornuta

Arcinella cornuta is also called the Florida Spiny Jewel Box.
Atlantic Strawberry Cockle ______ FL NC (ASC:362) (PS:29) Cape Hatteras to the West Indies
Americardia media

The Atlantic Strawberry Cockle was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Iceland Cockle (ph) ______ (PS:29) from Greenland and Iceland to Massachusetts
Climcardium ciliatum

Iceland Cockle
Greenland Cockle ______ (PAS:28) (PS:29) Greenland to Cape Cod
Serripes groenlandicus
Giant Atlantic Cockle ______ FL NC VA (ASC:366) (PAS:26) (PS:5,29) Cape Henry, VA to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico
Dinocardium robustum
Dinocardium robustum robustum ______ subspecies from Virginia to northern Florida

The Giant Atlantic Cockle is a common beach shell southward. Another name for it is Giant Heart Cockle.
Common Egg Cockle ______ FL NC (ASC:330) (PS:29) North Carolina to the West Indies
Laevicardium laevigatum

The Common Egg Cockle was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Morton's Egg Cockle ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:342) (PAS:25) (PS:24) Cape Cod to Brazil, locally north to Nova Scotia
Laevicardium mortoni
Florida Prickly Cockle ______ FL MD (PS:29) North Carolina to Florida
Trachycardium egmontianum
Yellow Cockle ______ FL NC (ASC:363) (PS:29) North Carolina to Brazil
Trachycardium muricatum

The Yellow Cockle was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Spiny Paper Cockle ______ FL NC (PS:29) North Carolina to the West Indies
Papyridea soleniformis
False Angel Wing ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:297) (PS:30) Prince Edward Island to Gulf of Mexico
Petricola pholadiformis
Atlantic Rupellaria ______ FL NC North Carolina to the West Indies
Rupellaria typica
Coral-boring Clam ______ FL NC (PS:27) North Carolina to the West Indies, also Bermuda
Coralliophaga coralliophaga
Smooth Duck Clam ______ FL NC North Carolina to Florida and Texas
Labiosa anatina
Channeled Duck Clam ______ FL NC (PAS:28) (PS:32) North Carolina to the West Indies
Labiosa plicatella
Arctic Wedge Clam ______ (PAS:28) (PS:32) Gulf of St. Lawrence to Long Island and New Jersey
Mesodesma arctatum
Turton's Wedge Clam ______ (PS:32) Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada
Mesodesma deauratum

TELLINS
Northern Dwarf Tellin ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:326) (PAS:25) (PS34) Gulf of St. Lawrence to North Carolina
Tellina agilis
Boss's Dwarf Tellin ______ FL NC (PS:34) North Carolina to West Indies
Tellina probina
Alternate Tellin ______ FL NC (PS:33) North Carolina to Gulf of Mexico
Tellina alternata
Crystal Tellin ______ FL (PS:34) South Carolina to the West Indies
Tellina cristallina
Iris Tellin ______ FL NC (PS:34) North Carolina to Florida and Texas
Tellina iris
Rose Petal Tellin ______ FL NC (PS:35) North Carolina to the West Indies
Tellina lineata
Speckled Tellin ______ FL NC (PS:33) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Tellina listeri
Great Tellin ______ FL NC (PS:33) North Carolina to the West Indies
Tellina magna
Lintea Tellin ______ FL NC (PS:34,37) North Carolina to the West Indies
Tellina aequistriata
Faust Tellin ______ FL NC (PS:33) North Carolina to the West Indies
Arcopagia fausta
Crested Tellin ______ FL NC (PS:35) North Carolina to Florida and Texas
Tellidora cristata

MACOMAS
Balthic Macoma ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:343) (PAS:25) (PS:33) from the Arctic to Georgia
Macoma balthica

The Balthic Macoma was described by Linnaeus in 1758. It is a principal food of the American Black Duck.
Short Macoma ______ FL South Carolina to Brazil
Macoma brevifrons
Chalky Macoma ______ (PS:33) Greenland to Long Island, NY
Macoma calcarea
Narrowed Macoma ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:35) Prince Edward Island, Canada to the West Indies
Macoma tenta
Mitchell's Macoma ______ FL South Carolina to Texas
Macoma mitchelli

BEAN CLAMS
Coquina ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:321) (PAS:25) (PS:37)   Virginia, rarely Delaware, to the Gulf of Mexico
Donax variabilis

Other popular names for Donax variabilis are Butterfly Shell, Wedge Shell, and Pompano.

Donax variabilis burrows in loose sand at the midwater line, where in favorable conditions individuals may be gathered by the handful with hardly any sand mixed in.
Even though the shells are so small (three-fourths of an inch long, three-eighths of an inch high), they are often so gathered, and made into a delicious broth.

Dead Coquina shells usually remain in pairs, connected at the hinge, and spread out appearing like butterflies.

The color patterns of Donax variabilis are variable - in fact quite so. Out of let's say 50 shells, it is sometimes difficult to find 2 that are exactly alike.
Fossor Coquina ______ Long Island, NY to New Jersey
Donax fossor
Donax fossor parvula ______ Poor Little Coquina FL NC North Carolina to northern Florida

GARI SHELLS
Purplish Targelus ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:36) Cape Cod to the West Indies, also Bermuda
Targelus divisus
Stout Tagelus ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:305) (PAS:24) (PS:36) Cape Cod to Brazil
Tagelus plebeius (formerly T. gibbus)

Tagelus plebeius is also called the Jackknife Clam.

RAZOR CLAMS (other than Solecurtus, in the family Solenidae)
Currugated Razor Clam ______ FL NC (PS:36) North Carolina to Brazil
Solecurtus cuminginus
Little Green Razor Clams ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:38) Rhode Island to northern Florida and the northern Gulf of Mexico
Solen viridis
Atlantic Razor Clam ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:304) (PS:36) Gulf of St. Lawrence to North Carolina
Siliqua costata
Scale Razor Clam ______ (PS:36) Newfoundland to Cape Cod
Siliqua squama
Common Razor Clam ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:308) (PAS:24) (PS:38) Labrador to Georgia, less so to Florida
Ensis directus

SURF CLAMS
Fragile Surf Clam ______ FL NC (PS:32) North Carolina to the West Indies
Mactra fragilis
Surf Clam ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:319) (PAS:28) Nova Scotia to South Carolina
Spisula solidissima
Stimpson's Surf Clam ______ (PS:32) Greenland to Rhode Island
Spisula polynyma
Little Surf Clam ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:24) Maine to Florida and Texas
Mulinia lateralis
Wedge Rangia ______ MD NC VA (PAS:28) (PS:36) Maryland to Texas and Mexico
Rangia cuneata

Rangia cuneata is also called Common Rangia.
White Strigilla ______ FL NC (PS:35) North Carolina to the West Indies, also Bermuda
Strigilla mirabilis
Cancellate Semele ______ FL NC (PS:35) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Semele bellastriata
White Atlantic Semele ______ FL NC (PS:36) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Semele proficna
Purple Semele ______ FL NC (PS:35) North Carolina to the West Indies
Semele purpurascens
Common Cumingia ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:35) Nova Scotia to Florida
Cumingia tellinoides
Common Atlantic Abra ______ FL NC (PS:35) North Carolina to Brazil
Abra aequalis
Dall's Little Abra ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:31) Cape Cod to the West Indies
Albra lioica

ROCK BORERS
Arctic Rock Borer ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:306) (PAS:27) (PS:36) from the Arctic to the West Indies
Hiatella arctica

Another name for Hiatella arctica is Red Nose. The species was described by Linnaeus in 1767.

The shell of Hiatella arctica is quite common as a fossil in northeastern North America in Pleistocene rocks.
Propeller Clam ______ (PS:36) Labrador to Rhode Island
Cyrtodaria siliqua
Arctic Rough Clam ______ (PS:38) circumpolar, in the western North Atlantic from the Arctic Ocean to Georges Bank
Panomya arctica
Atlantic Geoduck ______ FL NC (PS:38) North Carolina to Florida
Panopea bitruncata

CORBULA CLAMS
Contracted Corbula ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:25) (PS:23) Cape Cod to the West Indies
Corbula contracta

Another name for Corbula contracta is Common Basket Clam.
Snub-nosed Corbula ______ FL NC North Carolina to the West Indies
Corbula chittyana
Dietz's Corbula ______ FL NC (PS:23) North Carolina to Brazil
Corbula dietziana
Swift's Corbula ______ DE FL MD NC VA Massachusetts to the West Indies
Corbula swiftiana
Barratt's Corbula ______ FL NC North Carolina to Brazil
Corbula barrattiana
Oval Corbula ______ FL NC (PS:33) North Carolina to the West Indies
Varicorbula operculata (has been Corbula disparilis)

GAPING CLAM
Atlantic Rocellaria ______ FL NC North Carolina to the West Indies
Gastrochaena hians (was in the genus Rocellaria)

PIDDOCKS
Angel Wing ______ FL NC VA (ASC:296) (PAS:27) (PS:38) Cape Cod to Brazil, but rare north of Virginia
Cyrtopleura costata

Cyrtopleura costata was described by Linnaeus in 1758. it belongs to a family of borers, the PHOLADS.

When cleaned, the two delicate and graceful valves held together by the hinge ligament truly suggest the wings of an angel.

Angel Wing
Fallen Angel Wing ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:38) Massachusetts to Brazil
Barnea truncata
Campeche Angel Wing ______ FL NC (PS:38) North Carolina to Brazil
Pholas campechiensis
Wood Piddock ______ FL NC (PS:38) North Carolina to Brazil
Martesia cuneiformis

These Martesia species (above & below) occur from Cape Hatteras to Brazil, but they are wood borers and may be carried north in driftwood.
Striated Wood Piddock ______ FL NC (ASC:313) (PS:38) North Carolina to Brazil
Martesia striata

The Striated Wood Piddock was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Great Piddock ______ (ASC:314) (PAS:27) (PS:5,38) Labrador to Long Island and New Jersey
Zirfaea crispata
Atlantic Wood Borer ______ DE MD VA Quebec to Virginia
Xylophaga atlantica

SHIPWORMS
Common Shipworm ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:311) (PAS:27) the entire Atlantic Coast (of North America), mostly south of Massachusetts
Teredo navalis

The Common Shipworm was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Gould's Shipworm ______ DE FL MD NC VA New Jersey to Brazil
Bankia gouldi

PAPER SHELLS (or LYSONIAS)
Sand Lyonsia ______ (PS:23) Greenland to Maine
Lyonsia arenosa
Pearly Lyonsia ______ FL NC (PS:37) North Carolina to the West Indies
Lyonsia beana
Glassy Lyonsia ______ DE MD NC VA (PS:23,37) Nova Scotia to South Carolina
Lyonsia hyalina

PANDORAS
Inornate Pandora ______ (PS:32) Nova Scotia to Massachusetts
Pandora inornata
Glacial Pandora ______ (PS:32) from the Arctic to the Gulf of Maine
Pandora glacialis
Sand Pandora ______ FL NC (PS:37) North Carolina to Florida
Pandora arenosa
Gould's Pandora ______ (PS:32) Gulf of St. Lawrence to New Jersey
Pandora gouldiana
Three-lined Pandora ______ FL NC (PS:32) North Carolina to Florida and Texas
Pandora trilineata

THRACIAS
Conrad's Thracia ______ (PS:32) Nova Scotia to Long Island, NY
Thracia conradi

SPOON CLAMS
Paper Spoon Clam ______ (PAS:23) Labrador to Rhode Island
Periploma papyratium
Lea's Spoon Clam ______ DE MD NC VA (PAS:23) (PS:32) Gulf of the St. Lawrence to North Carolina
Periploma leanum

Periploma leanum is commonly found washed ashore, but it lives subtidally in 15 ft. or more.
Fragile Spoon Clam ______ (PS:32) Labrador to New Jersey
Periploma fragile
Annular Spoon Clam ______ FL (PS:32,37) Georgia to Texas
Periploma anguliferum
Unequal Spoon Clam ______ FL South Carolina to Texas
Periploma margaritaceum

DIPPER SHELLS

These small pear-shaped bivalves are called DIPPER SHELLS because of their elongated handle-like posterior end (rostrum).
Northern Dipper Shell ______ DE MD Nova Scotia to Maryland
Cuspidaria glacialis
Rostrate Dipper Shell ______ (PS:37) in deep water, from the Arctic Ocean to the West Indies
Cuspidaria rostrata
Costellate Dipper Shell ______ (PS:23) in deep water, off North Carolina to the West Indies
Cardiomya costellata

POROMYA CLAMS
Granulate Poromya ______ in deep water, Maine to the West Indies
Poromya granulata

VERTICORDS
Ornate Verticord ______ in deep water, Massachusetts to the West Indies
Verticordia ornata

SQUIDS and OCTOPUSES (Class Cephalopoda)

SQUIDS
Common Spirula ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PS:16) worldwide, pelagic, shells washed ashore
Spirula spirula

The Common Spirula was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Fabricus Squid ______ in Arctic seas, along the North American Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia to Rhode island
Gonatus fabricii
Atlantic Long-finned Squid ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:486) (PAS:35) (PS:16) Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico, also Bermuda
Loligo pealei

Loligo pealei is the most common squid between Cape Cod and Cape Hatteras. It is abundant in shallow water during the warmer months, April to November.
Brief Squid ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:35) Delaware Bay to Brazil, also Bermuda
Lolliguncula brevis

Lolliguncula brevis is also called Brief Thumbstall Squid.
Short-finned Squid ______ (ASC:484) (PAS:35) From the Arctic Ocean to northeast Florida
Illex illecebrosus

Another name for Illex illecebrosus is Boreal Squid.
Giant Squid ______
Architeuthis sp.

Giant Squids normally live in the deep ocean out beyond the continental shelf. Occasionally, they have washed ashore, or have been encountered at the surface of the sea all around the North Atlantic, from Florida north to the Davis Strait, and east to western Europe and the Madeira Islands.

Adults of Architeuthis are among the largest invertebrates on the planet. They are said to reach a length of 60 feet or more with their tentacles extended. The mantle is one-fourth of the total length.

OCTOPUSES
Common Atlantic Octopus ______ (ASC:480) offshore from Connecticut to Florida and throughout the Caribbean; also Europe
Octopus vulgaris

Octopus vulgaris has an average arm length of 2 to 3 feet.
Offshore Octopus ______
Bathypolypus arcticus

Bathypolypus arcticus is a rough and warty species with a horn over each eye. It occurs along the entire Atlantic coast (of North America) in deep water, but not as deep north of Cape Cod.

PAPER ARGONAUTS (Family Argonautidae)
Paper Nautilus ______ (PAS:35) (PS:74) worldwide, pelagic in warm seas
Argonauta argo (was Argonauta americana)

Argonauta argo is a deep-sea drifter. it is best known by its elegant paper-thin shells that are washed ashore, mainly on warmer Atlantic beaches and sometimes as far north as Cape Cod.

Another name for Argonauta argo is Common Paper Argonaut. it was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Brown Paper Argonaut ______ (PS:74) worldwide, pelagic in warm seas
Argonauta hians

ARTHROPODS (including Class Merostomata: with the HORSESHOE CRAB and some extinct species)
Horseshoe Crab (nt) (ph) (*) ______ DE NC (ASC:666) (PAS:56) total range from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico, many in the Delaware Bay
Limulus polyphemus

For Limulus polyphemus, "Crab" is a misnomer. This distinctive arthropod is more closely related to spiders and other arachnids than it is to crustaceans.

The genus Limulus goes back a long, long time, as far as the Triassic (the first period in the Age of Dinosaurs).
It earliest ancestors lived in Devonian seas more than 350 million years ago.

Today, the only living relatives of the Horseshoe Crab are found in Asia, in Japan and India.

Above: a mass of Horseshoe Crabs on a tidal shoreline of eastern North America
Below: a single Horseshoe Crab
(upper photo by Howard Eskin; lower photo by Rise Hill)

Below: every spring along the shores of the Delaware Bay,
millions of Horseshoe Crab eggs on the beach are food for
thousands of migrating shorebirds (and Laughing Gulls too).
Among the sandpipers each year, there are Red Knots, Dunlins,
Ruddy Turnstones, Sanderlings, and, as in the photo below,
Semipalmated Sandpipers. (photo below by Howard Eskin)

SEA SPIDERS, or PYCNOGONIDS (ARTHROPODS in Class Pycnogonida)

These creatures are only superficially spider-like. The bodies of true spiders are distinctly 2-parted.
Ringed Sea Spider ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:578) (PAS:48) Bay of Fundy to Brazil
Tanystylum orbiculare
Lentil Sea Spider ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:576) (PAS:48) Bay of Fundy to the Caribbean
Anoplodactylus lentus
Clawed Sea Spider ______ (ASC:575) from the Arctic to Long Island Sound, common north of Cape Cod, also North American Pacific coast
Phoxichilidium femoratum
Long-necked Sea Spider ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:48) Cape Cod to Florida
Callipallene brevirostris

The body length of the Long-necked Sea Spider (even with its long neck) is one-sixteenth of an inch.
It is a common shallow-water species on pilings.
Anemone Sea Spider ______ (ASC:577) (PAS:48) Gulf of St. Lawrence to Long Island Sound
Pycnogonum littorale

Pycnogonum littorale (three-sixteenth of an inch long) clings louse-like to large anemones.
Sargassum Sea Spider ______ on pelagic gulfweed only
Endeis spinosa

CRUSTACEANS (Class Crustacea)

BARNACLES & allies (including MANTIS SHRIMP, ISOPODS, AMPHIPODS, BEACH FLEAS)
Common Goose Barnacle ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:288) (PAS:17) found washed ashore along both Atlantic and Pacific coast of North America
Lepas anatifera
Float Goose Barnacle ______ DE FL MD NC VA found washed ashore along both Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America
Lepas fascicularis
Little Gray Barnacle (*) ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:276) (PAS:18) New Jersey to the Caribbean, locally north to Cape Cod
Chthamalus fragilis

The Little Gray Barnacle is abundant from the Delaware Bay and Chesapeake Bay south.
Little Striped Barnacle ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:279) from Cape Cod to Texas, also in the West Indies, and along the Pacific coasts of North and Central America
Balanus amphitrite
Northern Rock Barnacle ______ DE (ASC:278,286) (PAS:18) along the north Atlantic Coast (of North America) south to Delaware
Balanus balanoides
Rough Barnacle ______ (ASC:285) from the Arctic to Cape Cod
Balanus balanus
Ivory Barnacle ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:275) (PAS:18) Maine to South America
Balanus eburneus
Bay Barnacle ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:274) Nova Scotia to Brazil
Balanus improvisus
Common Mantis Shrimp ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:54,56) Cape Cod to the Gulf of Mexico and south to Brazil
Squilla empusa
Sea Pill Bug ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:50) Cape Cod to Florida
Sphaeroma quadridentatum

The Sea Pill Bug, a little white-splotched isopod, rolls into a ball when disturbed.
Bay Greedy Isopod ______ from the Bay of Fundy to Cape Cod MA
Cirolana polita
Baltic Isopod ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:585) (PAS:50) Gulf of St. Lawrence to North Carolina
Idotea baltica
Sharp-tailed Isopod ______ Gulf of St. Lawrence to Cape Cod
Idotea phosphorea
Exotic Sea Roach ______ FL NC VA (PAS:50) from the lower Chesapeake Bay to the Caribbean
Ligia exotica
Northern Sea Roach ______ (ASC:580) from Massachusetts northward to Maine
Ligia oceanica
Red-eyed Amphipod ______ (ASC:589) Labrador to Long Island Sound
Ampithoe rubricata
Scud ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:591,598) (PAS:51) along the entire Atlantic Coast (of North America), in both salt and fresh water
Gammarus oceanicus

Another name for the Scud is "Sideswimmer".
Mottled Tube-maker ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:590) Newfoundland to Texas, also North American Pacific coast
Jassa falcata
Noble Sand Amphipod ______ (ASC:588) Labrador to Long Island Sound
Psammonyx nobilis
Big-eyed Beach Flea ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:587) Newfoundland, Canada to Florida
Talorchestia megalophthalma

These beach fleas (above & below) are lively creatures that can leap a foot or more, much like fleas.
Some bathers are unnecessarily apprehensive about being bitten by beach fleas, but they feed only on organic debris.
Long-horned Beach Flea ______ DE FL MD NC VA the same geographic range as the the previous species
Talorchestia longicornis

SHRIMPS and LOBSTERS

SHRIMP (or PRAWNS) are highly sought after as seafood, and are both caught in the wild and extensively farmed.
The word "shrimp" is inclusive of all varieties in the United States, but in some other English-speaking countries it is used for only a couple species.

Shrimp vary in color when alive, but most turn pink-orange when cooked.

There are many environmental and sustainability issues with the harvesting of wild shrimp and also some with the methods of farming them.

Shrimp are sold cooked or raw, whole or shelled, or, very occasionally, live. They should be deveined as the gritty intestinal tract can be unpleasant to eat.

Shrimp, or prawns, are very meaty, dense and sweet compared to the more intense flavor and delicate textures of the cold water crustaceans.
They can be grilled (broiled) or pan-fried and served with lemon and olive oil. They are better left unpeeled when grilled because they are less likely then to dry out. Over-cooking makes them tough. The shells make excellent stock that can be used in soup or risotto.
Linear Skeleton Shrimp ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:601) (PAS:53) entire Atlantic coast of North America
Caprella linearis
Long-horn Skeleton Shrimp ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:599) from Labrador to North Carolina
Aeginella longicornis
Opossum Shrimps ______ (ASC:604,606) from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to New Jersey
Mysis spp.
Red Opossum Shrimp ______ (ASC:603) from the Bay of Fundy to New Jersey
Heteromysis formosa
Bent Opossum Shrimp ______ (ASC:602) Nova Scotia, Canada to Cape Cod MA
Prannus flexuosus

The Bent Opossum Shrimp was first found in North American coastal waters in 1960 at Barnstable, Massachusetts (on Cape Cod).
It was presumably an introduced species from Europe, and it is now common in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Maine as far north as Nova Scotia.
Horned Krill ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:605) the northern Atlantic coast
Meganyctiphanes norvegica

KRILL is a collective name for several kinds of planktonic shrimps that occur in large masses.
It is eaten by BALEEN WHALES, which charge, mouths wide open, into a school of KRILL, and then, mouths closed, strain out the KRILL.

The HORNED KRILL (above) is sometimes so abundant that its swarms cause the water to appear red.
Brown Shrimp ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:55,56) New Jersey to Uruguay
Penaeus aztecus
Pink Shrimp ______ FL NC VA (ASC:609,611) (PAS:55,56) Chesapeake Bay to Brazil
Penaeus duorarum
White Shrimp ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:55,56) northern limit is Long Island, NY
Penaeus setiferus

The above 3 species, in the genus Penaeus, are the backbone of the Atlantic shrimping industry.
Common Shore Shrimp ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:607) (PAS:55) from the Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico
Palaemonetes vulgaris

Palaemonetes vulgaris prefers saltier water than others in its genus.
Red-lined Cleaning Shrimp ______ FL NC VA (ASC:613) Chesapeake Bay to Brazil
Lysmata wurdemanni
Greenland Shrimp ______ (ASC:612) from the Arctic to Massachusetts
Lebbeus groenlandicus
Maine Shrimp ______ (PAS:54,56) Circumpolar, south to Cape Cod, MA
Pandalus borealis
Montague's Shrimp ______ (ASC:614) (PAS:54,56) Circumpolar, from the Arctic south to Rhode Island
Pandalus montagui
Sand Shrimp ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:593) (PAS:54) from the Arctic to Florida
Crangon septemspinosa
Northern Lobster (ph) ______ (ASC:624) (PAS:56) Labrador to New Jersey, very rarely to Virginia, especially common in Maine
Homarus americanus

The Northern Lobster has a length of about 25 inches (and up to 34 inches), and a mass of up to 44 pounds making it the heaviest crustacean in the world. That 44.4 pound lobster was caught off Nova Scotia, Canada.

Above & below: the Northern Lobster
Below: a very young one

Actually, only a few of the hundreds of different lobsters in the world are caught commercially for food.
There are Rock Lobsters, Spiny Lobsters, Slipper Lobster, and Caribbean Lobster, just to name a few of many. A couple of these are in this list below.

The lobsters that many know on their dinner plates are the American (often called Northern) and European clawed lobsters, respectively Homerus americanus (above) and Homarus gammarus.
These are cold water species that live on each side of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Some of the lobsters noted above are "tropical lobsters" that are also widely consumed.
Including the Spiny and Slipper Lobsters, they are clawless.

Homarus americanus was not always thought of as it is now, as a fine dish and delicacy. In 17th & 18th Century America, they were abundant in northeastern North America, so much so that they were often used as fertilizer.

Now, the clawed Homarus lobsters are said to be declining. "Overfishing" has taken its toll, but during catches are better than others.

Closely related to the genus Homarus is Nephrops, a genus now with a single species in Europe, Nephrops norvegicus, known as the Norwegian Lobster and other names including scampi, lobsterettes, and langoustine.

There were species of Nephrops in the Americas, now known only by fossils: 2 species in the Dominican Republic from the Oligocene or Miocene Periods, and one in Panama from the Pleistocene.
Another fossil species in Texas, Nephrops americanus, described in 1935, has been determined not to be similar to either Nephrops, or Metanephrops that was once part of Nephrops.
Molecular phylogenetics suggests that Nephrops and Metanephrops are not sister taxa, with instead Nephops being more closely related to Homarus than either is to Metanephrops.

There is a species of Metanephrops in the western Atlantic region, the Caribbean Lobster or Caribbean Lobsterette (below), occurring in the Bahamas and southern Florida, and south to the Guianas including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
Other species in the Metanephrops genus are, among other places, in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

LANGOUSTINE (Nephrops norvegicus) are coral in color and become paler upon cooking. Most of its weight is made up of shell, with slender claws, tiny legs, and a long carapace (head shell).
Langoustine is not commonly available in the United States, and it can be replaced with large fresh shrimp (prawns) of crawfish.

The only edible part of langoustines is the tail, which is sweet, succulent, and tender, not unlike a lobster.

Langoustines may be poached in a bouillon, roasted, or split in half, brushed with butter or oil and grilled (broiled) to be enjoyed straight from the shell, again much like a lobster.

A "Blue Lobster" of Homarus americanus

Northern Lobsters are red as the usual result of being cooked. There is only a 1 in 10 million chance of catching one alive that is red. The normal coloration of Homarus americanus is a dark bluish-green to a bluish-brown.
Living Northern Lobsters can be yellow as a result of a rare genetic mutation, with the odds of finding one estimated as 1 in 30 million. Single yellow lobsters were found in Maine in the US in August 2006, in Prince Edward Island in June 2009, and in Rhode Island in the US in July 2010.

There is also a form (as in the photo above) of the Northern Lobster that is blue.
For that to happen, there's a genetic mutation that causes the lobster to produce an excessive amount of a particular protein. That protein and a red carotenoid molecule known as astaxanthin combine to form a blue complex known as crustacyanin, giving the lobster its blue coloration.
A single blue lobster was caught in New Hampshire in the US in 2009, and in Canada 2 were caught off Prince Edward Island in 2011, 1 off New Brunswick that year, and another off Nova Scotia in May 2012.
Caribbean Lobster (or Caribbean Lobsterette) ______ FL
Metanephrops binghami
West Indian Spiny Lobster ______ FL NC (ASC:625) North Carolina to Brazil
Panulirus argas

Panulirus argas is called "crawfish" in many places, but it should not be confused with the freshwater crawfish or crayfish.
Ridged Slipper Lobster ______ FL NC North Carolina to the West Indies
Scyllarides nodifer
Flat-browed Mud Shrimp ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:621) (PAS:57) Cape Cod MA to Brazil
Upogebia affinis
Short-browed Mud Shrimp ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:57) Nova Scotia to Florida
Callianassa atlantica

CRABS

CRABS are found on every continent. An array of varieties of both small and large crabs make them a favorite seafood many places throughout the world.
Little mud crabs are perfect for soups and stocks.
Dungeness Crabs (in western North America, along the coast of the Pacific Northwest) provide wonderfully sweet meat.
Shore crabs in their molted state are a delicacy, and are known as "soft-shell crabs".
And the magnificent King Crab (of Alaska) is favored for its leg meat.

Many crabs are harvested sustainably as they are caught live.

Generally, crab contains two types of meat:
White meat is extracted from the legs, claws, and central body.
Brown meat is located in the carapace or shell that contains the main organs.
White meat is generally the more popular because it is sweet and delicate. Brown meat, or the meat from the body of the crab, has a stronger and more pronounced flavor and varies in consistency.

Crab is sold live, cooked and unprepared, and cooked and dressed (which means that the inedible parts have been removed).
Fresh, pasteurized and canned crab meat is also available, usually separated into white and brown.
Cooked crab should always be purchased from a reliable source. It should have a lovely sweet seafood aroma.

To remove the meat from a cooked crab, place it on its back and break off the claws and legs, then break off the tail flap. Insert a heavy-bladed knife between the body shell, twist and then pry apart with your thumbs. Remove and discard the "dead man's fingers" (the gills).
Using a spoon, scoop the brown meat out into a bowl. Halve the body with a sharp knife and carefully pick out the meat. Finally, press on the back shell just behind the eyes, then remove and discard the mouth and stomach sac. Scoop out the remaining brown meat.

Some notes, now, regarding the taxonomy of "crabs". The genera that follow are in a number of families:

In the families:

PORCELLANIDAE. the genera Porcellana and Euceramus, the "'Porcelain Crabs"
DIOGENIDAE, the genera Petrochirus, Clibanarius, Dardanus, the "Hermit Crabs"
PAGURIDAE, the genus Pagurus, a "Hermit Crab"
HIPPIDAE, the genus Emerita
DROMIIDE, the genus Dromidia
LEUCOSIIDAE, the genus Persephona
CALAPPIDAE, the genus Calappa, "Box Crabs"
AETHRIDAE, the genus Hepatus
PORTUNIDAE, the genera Ovalipes, Portunus, Callinectes, Carcinus, the "Swimming Crabs"
CANERIDAE, the genus Cancer
ERIPHIIDAE, the genus Eriphia
PANOPEIDAE, the genera Eurypanopeus and Neopanope, the "Mud Crabs"
MENIPPIDAE, the genus Menippe
GRAPSIDAE, the genera Pachygraspsus and Plagusia, the "Shore Crabs"
VARUNIDAE, the genus Hemigrapsus, also "Shore Crabs"
SESARMIDAE, the genus Sesarma
OCYPODIDAE, the genera Ocypode and Uca, "Sand Crabs" and "Fiddler Crabs"
OREGONIIDAE, the genus Hyas
EPIALTIDAE, the genus Libinia
MAJIDAE, the genus Mithrx
INACHIDAE, the genus Stenocianops, the "Arrow Crab"
PARTHENOPIDAE, the genus Parthenope

PORCELAIN CRABS
Say's Porcelain Crab (ph) ______ FL NC (ASC:647) Cape Hatteras NC to Venezuela
Porcellana sayana

The Say's Porcelain Crab is sometimes commensal with large hermit crabs, which are rather messy eaters, shredding their food and dropping bits, which Porcellana sayana then retrieves.

The Say's Porcelain Crab is one half inch long & one half inch wide.

Say's Porcelain Crab
Olive-pit Porcelain Crab ______ MD
Euceramus praelongus

HERMIT CRABS
Giant Hermit Crab ______ FL NC (ASC:682) North Carolina to the West Indies
Petrochirus diogenes

At its common name implies, Petrochirus diogenes is the largest hermit crab in North America.
Striped Hermit Crab ______ FL NC (ASC:684) (PAS:57) North to North Carolina, occasionally Virginia; south to Brazil
Clibanarius vittatus
Star-eyed Hermit Crab ______ FL NC (ASC:687) North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Dardanus venosus
Acadian Hermit Crab ______ DE MD (ASC:686) (PAS:57) Labrador to the Chesapeake Bay
Pagurus acadianus
Banded Hermit Crab ______ MD
Pagurus annulipes
Hairy Hermit Crab ______ (ASC:681) (PAS:57) from the Arctic south to Long Island Sound
Pagurus arcuatus
Long-clawed Hermit Crab ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:677) (PAS:57) Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico
Pagurus longicarpus

Another name for Pagurus longicarpus is Long-armed Hermit Crab.

The Long-clawed Hermit Crab is the most common hermit crab along the Atlantic Coast. It normally uses the shells of the periwinkle, mud snail, or oyster drill.
Flat-clawed Hermit Crab ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:676) (PAS:57) generally Cape Cod to Texas
Pagurus pollicaris

The Flat-clawed Hermit Crab is often found in the shells of Moon Snails and the larger whelks.

Pagurus pollicaris is pinkish. Its carapace is up to 1.25 inches in length.

KING CRAB
Spiny Crab ______ (PAS:60) A Boreal deepwater crab
Lithodes maia

MOLE CRAB, SAND CRAB
Atlantic Mole Crab ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:690) (PAS:55) Cape Cod to the Gulf of Mexico
Emerita talpoida

Another name for Emerita talpoida is Atlantic Sand Crab.

SPONGE CRAB
Lesser Sponge Crab ______ FL NC (ASC:669) Cape Hatteras NC to Brazil
Dromidia antillensis

PURSE CRAB
Purse Crab ______ FL NC (ASC:635) (PAS:60) North Carolina, sometimes New Jersey, south to the Gulf of Mexico
Persephona punctata

The Purse Crab was described by Linnaeus in 1758.

BOX CRAB
Flame-streaked Box Crab ______ FL NC (ASC:671) (PAS:58) North Carolina to Mexico, also Bermuda and Bahamas
Calappa flammea

Another name for Calappa flammea is Shame-faced Crab.

Calappa flammea is less common than Hepatus epheliticus (below) in a similar geographic range.

AETHRIDAE CRABS
Calico Crab (ph) ______ FL MD NC VA (PAS:58) generally from the Chesapeake Bay to Mexico; as a stray north of Cape Hatteras; the young rarely to Cape Cod
Hepatus epheliticus

Other names for Hepatus epheliticus are "Dolly Varden" and Calico Box Crab.

Calico Crab

SWIMMING CRABS
Ocellate Lady Crab (ph) ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:637) (PAS:61) Cape Cod to the Gulf of Mexico
Ovalipes ocellatus

Other names for Ovalipes ocellatus are Leopard Spotted Crab, or simply Lady Crab.

Outside the range noted above, there has been said to be an isolated population of Ovalipes ocellatus at Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Within the given range, it is in shallow water, mainly subtidal on sandy bottoms, but to the waterline when the tide is in.
The attractive Ocellate Lady Crab is as quick and ill-tempered as the Atlantic Blue Crab (later in this list).

Ocellate Lady Crab
Gibbes' Crab ______ DE FL MD NC VA Massachusetts to Venezuela
Portunus gibbesii

Another name for Portunus gibbesii is Iridescent Swimming Crab.
Spiny-banded Crab ______ DE FL MD NC VA New Jersey to Brazil, also Bermuda
Portunus spinimanus

Another name for Portunus spinimanus is Blotched Swimming Crab.
Sargassum Crab (ph) (*) _____ NC(pelagic) (ASC:658)
Portunus sayi

The Sargassum Crab is normally a creature of the high seas and a member of the Sargasso Weed community.
Although it resides out at sea, it is often seen among weeds blown ashore by storms.

Portunus sayi has been among the sealife in sargassum in the Gulf Stream during FONT North Carolina pelagic trips.

Sargassum Crab
Flat-browed Crab ______ FL NC (ASC:633) North Carolina to the West Indies and the Yucatan Peninsula, also Bermuda and the Bahamas
Portunus depressifrons
Gulfweed Crab ______ NC(pelagic) (PAS:58) out at sea, on drifting Gulfweed (Sargassum)
Planes minutus

The scientific name, Planes minutus, means "little wanderer". Columbus was said to have seen the species in the mid-Atlantic.
Atlantic Blue Crab (ph) (*) ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:657) (PAS:61) Cape Cod to Uruguay
Callinectes sapidus

Except when soft, the Atlantic Blue Crab is quick and aggressive, snapping viciously when caught. Even half-grown young can inflict painful pinches.

Barnacles commonly attach themselves to Atlantic Blue Crabs, especially in southern regions.
The Striped Barnacle and Turtle Barnacle do so externally.
A small goose barnacle, Octolasmus lowei, goes in the gill chamber, and a bean-shaped sacculinid, Loxothylacus texanus, goes under the abdomen.
A parasitic nemertean worm, Carcinonemertes carcinophila, is found on the gills of female crabs. It is pinkish on virgin crabs, and red on breeders.
Lesser Blue Crab ______ DE FL MD NC VA from Cape May, NJ south
Callinectes similis

The Lesser Blue Crab is a common estuarine crab south of Cape Hatteras, NC. It ranges into fresh water.
Callinectes similis is easily mistaken for Callinectes sapidus (above).
Green Crab ______ (ASC:664) (PAS:61) Iceland and Nova Scotia to New Jersey (to about Manasquan Inlet)
Carcinus maenas

In addition to its natural geographic range above, the Green Crab has been introduced in Brazil and Panama.
Originally, it was introduced into the Americas from Europe.
In the 19th Century, it was unknown north of Cape Cod MA. Now it is the most common crab along the shores of the Gulf of Maine.

The Green Crab can easily be confused with the Jonah Crab (below, the next crab in this list).

CANCER CRABS
Jonah Crab ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:653) Nova Scotia to Florida, also Bermuda
Cancer borealis

The Jonah Crab is usually in deeper water than the Atlantic Rock Crab (below, the next crab in this list).
Atlantic Rock Crab ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:650,654) (PAS:61) Iceland and Labrador to South Carolina
Cancer irroratus

ERIPHIIDAE CRAB
Warty Crab ______ FL NC North Carolina to Argentina
Eriphia gonagra

MUD CRAB
Flat-backed Mud Crab ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:645) Massachusetts Bay to the West Indies, also Bermuda
Eurypanopeus depressus

Another name for Eurypanopeus depressus is Flat Mud Crab.
Say's Mud Crab ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:636) Prince Edward Island to Florida
Neopanope texana

From Virginia southward, the Say's Mud Crab lacks the black color on the fingers of its pincers, and is larger than those further north.

ROCK CRABS, or SPRAY CRABS
Stone Crab (ph) ______ FL NC (ASC:642)   North Carolina to the West Indies and the Yucatan
Menippe mercenaria

The Stone Crab is the source of the delectable seafood dish, crab claws.
Its catch in most of the US is carefully regulated. In Florida, it is illegal to take females.
When a male is taken, one may break off and keep the large pincer - if it is at least 4 inches from tip to first point - but the crab must be returned to the water for it to regenerate a new pincer.
Most crustaceans, including the Stone Crab, can regenerate an appendage in 2 molts.



Blending in on a coastal rock, a Stone Crab,
photographed during a FONT tour in the West Indies.
(photo by Marie Gardner)
Mottled Shore Crab ______ FL NC North Carolina to the West Indies, also Bermuda
Pachygrapsus transversus
Flattened Crab ______ FL NC North Carolina to Brazil, also Bermuda
Plagusia depressa

SHORE CRAB: in the family VARUNIDAE
Asian Shore Crab ______ DE MD NC VA not native to North America, now along the Atlantic cost in the eastern US
Hemigrapsus sanguineus

The native range of Hemigrapsus sanguineus is along the Asian Pacific coast from Russia to Hong Kong, including Japan.
The first record outside that range was at Townsend's Inlet in Cape May County, New Jersey in 1988.
Since the 1990s, the invasive species has spread north into Maine and south into North Carolina.

PEA CRABS
Commensal Crabs ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:634) Massachusetts USA to Argentina, also Pacific coast of the Americas
Pinnotheres spp.

SESARMIDAE CRABS
Wharf Crab ______ FL MD NC VA (ASC:665) Chesapeake Bay to the West Indies and Venezuela
Sesarma cinereum

A nickname for Sesarma cinereum is "Friendly Crab" from its habit of climbing onto boats.
Purple Marsh Crab ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:58) locally, from Cape Cod to Texas, intertidal
Sesarma reticulatum

Purple Marsh Crabs dig burrows with multiple openings in salt marshes together with Fiddler Crabs (below, in this list).
They prey on the fiddlers to some extent, but mainly they are herbivorous.

SAND CRAB and FIDDLER CRABS
Atlantic Ghost Crab (ph) (*) ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:631) (PAS:58) regularly from Cape Henlopen, DE south to Brazil
Ocypode quadrata

The name "Ghost Crab" is appropriate as it blends in closely with the sand on which it lives, and it moves very swiftly.
Thus, it seems to appear from nowhere, run, and then suddenly disappear.

Atlantic Ghost Crab
Atlantic Sand Fiddler Crab (*) ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:628) (PAS:58)
Uca pugilator

The geographic range for Uca pugilator, and the following two species, is from Cape Cod to Texas.

The habitat preferences for the Sand Fiddler Crab (above) and the Mud Fiddler Crab (below) do overlap somewhat, but as their names imply, the Mud Fiddler is more common on mudflats, while the Sand Fiddler is more often found in sandier situations and higher up on the beach.

Fiddlers are colonial, and active by day. They feed on bacteria, minute algae, and fermenting marsh plants gleaned from the soil.
They vary in color from tan to brown. Generally, the Sand Fiddler Crab (above) is a lighter coloration than the other two species (below).
Male Fiddler Crabs (of all 3 species) have an oversized claw on one side, while female Fiddler Crabs have equal-sized claws. The larger claw of the male can grow to 2 inches long.
Female Fiddler Crabs feed by rapidly alternating right and left claws, much like children stuffing candy into their mouths as fast as they can.
Male Fiddler Crabs eat with just one claw, since their oversized claw is for courtship behavior and territorial defense - to attract a mate and discourage rivals, not for fighting predators that can include shorebirds, raccoons, terrapins, fish, and larger crabs.
Atlantic Marsh Fiddler Crab (*) ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:58)
Uca pugnax

Another name for Uca pugnax is Mud Fiddler Crab.

The male Marsh Fiddler Crab has a royal blue spot on the center of its carapace, while the male Sand Fiddler Crab (above) has a blue or purplish carapace. The carapaces vary from being less than an inch wide to 1.5 inches.
The Marsh Fiddler Crab is the smallest of the 3 fiddler crabs in this list, while the Brackish-water, or Red-jointed Fiddler Crab is the largest.
Brackish-water Fiddler Crab (*) ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:629) (PAS:58)
Uca minax

Another name for Uca minax is Red-jointed Fiddler Crab.

Burrow openings for Uca minax are often above water. Those of the other two fiddler crabs are chiefly intertidal.

Uca minax is the most common of the 3 species of fiddler crabs in the region of the Chesapeake Bay. It ranges into the area of the upper Bay, whereas Uca pugilator and Uca pugnax are generally restricted to the middle and lower Chesapeake Bay.
As to habitat preference, Uca minax, the Brackish-water, or Red-jointed Fiddler Crab, and Uca pugnax. the Marsh Fiddler Crab live in muddy areas in marshes. As the name "Brackish-water" implies, Uca minax is more tolerant of low salinity.

Marsh Fiddler Crabs are found between the low and high tide lines, while the Brackish-water Fiddler Crabs dig their burrows above the high-tide line. The burrows are one to two feet in depth.

SPIDER CRABS: in the families OREGONIIDAE, EPIALTIDAE, and MAJIDAE
Great Spider Crab ______ (ASC:660,661) (PAS:60) from the Arctic to Rhode Island
Hyas araneus

Another name for Hyas araneus is Toad Crab. The species was described by Linnaeus in 1758.

In Iceland, Hyas araneus is called, in English, the Spider Crab. It is the most common crab there.
Red-spotted Spider Crab ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:60) Cape Cod to the West Indies
Pelia mutica

The Red-spotted Spider Crab grows up to one-half inch in length. It is often covered by sponge, and is easily overlooked as it is among sponges, hydroids, and sea squirts on wharf pilings or among pebbles and shell fragments in bays and sounds.
Doubtful Spider Crab ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:60) mainly from Cape Cod to the Gulf of Mexico
Libinia dubia

Another name for Libinia dubia is Long-nosed Spider Crab. It is said to be more common in the Common Spider Crab in the Chesapeake Bay, but generally it is the less common species elsewhere.
Common Spider Crab ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:656) (PAS:60) Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico
Libinia emarginata

Another name for Libinia emarginata is Portly Spider Crab.
Spiny Spider Crab ______ FL NC (ASC:640) North Carolina to the West Indies
Mithrax spinosissimus

DECORATOR CRAB
Atlantic Decorator Crab ______ FL NC North Carolina to the West Indies and Yucatan Peninsula
Stenocianops furcata

ARROW CRAB
Arrow Crab ______ FL NC (ASC:574) North Carolina to Brazil, including the Wet Indies; also Bermuda
Stenorhynchus seticornis

PARTHENOPIDAE CRABS
Pourtale's Long-armed Crab ______ DE FL MD NC VA Cape Cod to the West Indies
Parthenope pourtalesii
Saw-toothed Crab ______ FL NC North Carolina to Brazil
Parthenope serrata

ECHINODERMS (Phyllum Echinodermata)

ASTEROIDS (Class Stelleroidea): including the sea stars and brittle stars

"Sea Star" is preferred to "Star Fish" as that term is a misnomer as "fish" are finny vertebrates.
Banded Luidia ______ FL NC (ASC:564) North Carolina to Brazil
Luidia alternata
Slender Sea Star (or Striped Luidia) ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:63) New Jersey to Brazil
Luidia clathrata
Plate-margined Sea Star ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:63) New Jersey to Uruguay, but not common north of Cape Hatteras NC
Astropecten articulatus
Mud Star ______ (ASC:535) (PAS:63) from the Arctic to Cape Cod, less common to North Carolina
Ctenodiscus crispatus
Cushion Star (ph) ______ FL NC (ASC:541) North Carolina to Brazil
Oreaster reticulatus

Cushion Star
Horse Star ______ (ASC:540) from the Arctic to Cape Cod
Hippasteria phrygiana
Smooth Sun Star ______ (ASC:542,543) from the Arctic to Cape Cod MA, also North American Pacific coast
Solaster endeca
Spiny Sun Star ______ (ASC:545) from the Arctic to the Gulf of Maine, also North American Pacific coast
Crossaster papposus
Winged Sea Star ______ (ASC:539) from the Arctic to Cape Cod MA
Pteraster militaris
Badge Sea Star ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:538) Cape Cod MA to Cape Hatteras NC
Porania insignis
Blood Star ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:552) (PAS:63) Circumpolar, south to Cape Hatteras, NC
Henricia sanguinolenta
Thorny Sea Star ______ FL NC (ASC:549) North Carolina to the West Indies
Echinaster sentus
Forbes' Common Sea Star (or Forbes' Asterias) ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:557,558) (PAS:63) Maine to the Gulf of Mexico
Asterias forbesi

The Asterias species are the most familiar sea stars along the Atlantic Coast (of North America).

Asterias forbesi is a common species south of Cape Cod.
Northern Sea Star (or Boreal Asterias) ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:547,559) (PAS:63) Iceland and Labrador to Cape Hatteras
Asterias rubens (has been Asterias vulgaris)

The Northern Sea Star is a common species north of Cape Cod.

Generally, what has been Asterias vulgaris is intertidal northward. South of Cape Cod, it is subtidal in progressively deeper water to a depth of 2,000 feet.

In the Long Island Sound, Asterias sea stars have been a menace on oyster beds.
Sea Stars breed there slightly before oysters, and the infant sea stars await oyster spat, literally, with their open arms.
They grow rapidly, and their arms may be 3 inches long by the age of 4 months.
The oyster is opened after a tug of war and devoured by the sea star's everted stomach.
Green Slender Sea Star ______ from the Arctic to the Gulf of Maine
Leptasterias littoralis
Slender Sea Star ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:560) Nova Scotia to Cape Hatteras NC
Leptasterias tenera
Northern Basket Star ______ (ASC:572) from the Arctic to Cape Cod MA
Gorgonocephalus articus
Short-spinned Brittle Star ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:64) Cape Cod MA to Brazil
Ophioderma brevispina
Daisy Brittle Star ______ (ASC:570) (PAS:64) from the Arctic south to Cape Cod, rarely Long Island; also North American Pacific coast
Ophiopholis aculeata
Dwarf Brittle Star ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:568) (PAS:64) from the Arctic to Florida, also North American Pacific coast
Axiognathus squamatus
Atlantic Long-spined Brittle Star ______ FL NC VA (PAS:64) from the lower Chesapeake Bay (Tangier Sound) to Brazil
Ophiothrix angulata

SEA URCHINS and SAND DOLLARS (Class Echinoidea)
Slate-pencil Urchin ______ FL (ASC:517) South Carolina to Brazil
Eucidaris tribuloides
Atlantic Purple Sea Urchin ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:518) (PAS:62) Cape Cod to Trinidad; in the West Indies and on the Yucatan Peninsula
Arbacia punctulata
Variegated Urchin ______ FL NC (ASC:521,528) North Carolina to the West Indies
Lytechinus variegatus
Green Sea Urchin ______ (ASC:523) (PAS:62) from the Arctic to New Jersey, also North American Pacific coast
Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis
Brown Sea Biscuit ______ FL NC North Carolina to Brazil
Clypeaster rosaceus
Common Sand Dollar (ph) (*) ______ DE MD (ASC:530) (PAS:62) Labrador to Maryland, also North American Pacific coast
Echinarachnius parma

Common Sand Dollar
Keyhole Urchin (or Keyhole Sand Dollar) ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:534) Cape Cod to Brazil, also Bermuda
Mellita quinquiesperforata

Mellita quinquiesperforata is more closely related to other sand dollars than to sea urchins.
Six-hole Urchin ______ FL (ASC:532) South Carolina to Uruguay
Mellita sexieperforata
Mud Heart Urchin ______ FL NC (PAS:62) Cape Hatteras NC to the West Indies
Moira atropos

SEA CUCUMBERS (Class Holothuroidea)
Scarlet Psolus ______ (ASC:153,155) (PAS:46) from the Arctic to Cape Cod
Psolus fabricii

The Scarlet Psolus can be found on seashores at low tide, but only in places with extreme tidal fluctuation.
It is a striking creature when fully extended, but appears as a mere red lump when contracted.
Hairy Cucumber ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:150) (PAS:46) Cape Cod to the Gulf of Mexico
Sclerodactyla briareus
Havelockia scabra ______ DE a rare boreal species, south to the Delaware Bay
Orange-footed Sea Cucumber ______ (ASC:152) (PAS:46) from the Arctic to Cape Cod
Cucumaria frondosa
Pink Synapta ______ (PAS:46) Bay of Fundy to the Long Island Sound
Leptosynapta roseola
White Synapta ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:260) along the entire Atlantic Coast (of North America), also the Pacific Coast, and Europe
Leptosynapta tenuis
Silky Cucumber ______ (ASC:267) (PAS:46) from the Arctic to Cape Cod
Chiridota laevis
Rat-tailed Cucumber ______ (PAS:46) Gulf of St. Lawrence to Rhode Island
Caudina arenata
Molpadia oolitica ______ from Gulf of Maine southward in deep water

CHORDATES (Phyllum Chordata)

SEA SQUIRTS, and TUNICATES or ASCIDIANS (Class Ascidiacea)
Northern Sea Pork ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:98) Maine to the Gulf of Mexico
Aplidium constellatum
Common Sea Pork ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:10) geographic range similar to that of the previous species
Aplidium stellatum (was Amaroucium stellatum)
Sea Vase ______ (ASC:105) (PAS:17) from the Arctic to Cape Cod, also North American Pacific coast
Ciona intestinalis
Callused Sea Squirt ______ from the Arctic to Cape Cod
Ascidia callosa

Another name for Ascidia callosa is Callused Tunicate.
Ascidia prunum ______ confined to deep water

Ascidia prunum can only be distinguished from Ascidia callosa by dissection.
Blood Drop Sea Squirt ______ (ASC:93) (PAS:17) Newfoundland, Canada to Long Island Sound
Dendrodoa carnea

Another name for Dendrodoa carnea is Blood Drop Tunicate
Rough Sea Squirt ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:17) Bay of Fundy to the Caribbean
Styela partita
Striped Tunicate ______ FL NC (ASC:106,107) North Carolina to the West Indies, also North American Pacific coast in California
Styela plicata
Cactus Sea Squirt ______ (ASC:111) (PAS:17) from the Arctic to Cape Cod
Boltenia echinata

Another name for Boltenia echinata is Cactus Tunicate.
Stalked Sea Squirt ______ (ASC:41) (PAS:17) from the Arctic to Cape Cod
Boltenia ovifera

Another name for Boltenia ovifera is Stalked Tunicate.
Sea Peach ______ (ASC:92) (PAS:17) from the Arctic to Massachusetts Bay
Halocynthia pyriformis

Sea Grapes (PAS:17):
Bostrichobranchus pilularis ______ the whole North American Atlantic Coast, but rare south of Cape Cod
Molgula arenata ______ Bay of Fundy to Cape May
Common Sea Grape ______ DE FL MD NC VA Bay of Fundy to the Gulf of Mexico
Molgula manhattensis
Molgula provisionalis ______ Maine northward
Orange Sea Grape ______ (ASC:97) Gulf of St. Lawrence to Cape Cod
Molgula citrina
Molgula siphonalis ______ from the Arctic to Maine
Molgula retortiformis ______ from the Arctic to Cape Cod

White Crusts (PAS:10):
Glossy White Crust ______ DE FL MD NC VA Bay of Fundy to Brazil
Didemnum candidum

The boreal and tropical forms of Didemnum candidum may not be the same species.
Northern White Crust ______ (ASC:125) from the Arctic to Cape Cod
Didemnum albidum
Lissoclinum aureum ______ from the Arctic to Cape Cod

Lissoclinum aureum is generally in deep water except at the northern limit of its range.
Golden Star Tunicate ______ DE MD NC VA (ASC:121) (PAS:10) from the Bay of Fundy to North Carolina
Botryllus schlosseri
Mushroom Tunicate ______ FL (ASC:91) South Carolina to the West Indies and Colombia
Distaplia stylifera
Sandy-lobed Amaroucium ______ DE FL MD NC VA (PAS:10) Cape Cod to the Gulf of Mexico
Amaroucium pellucidum
Creeping Tunicate ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:101) Cape Cod to Florida and Texas
Perophora viridis

Another name for Perophora viridis is Creeping Ascidian.
Orange Sheath Tunicates ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:119) Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America
Botrylloides spp.

PELAGIC TUNICATES, SALPS (Class Thaliacea)
Common Doliolid ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:489) Cape Cod MA to tropical South America
Doliolum nationalis

Common Doliolids are transparent creatures that are sometimes blown ashore by the thousands in summer and autumn.
Horned Salp ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:490) Cape Cod MA to tropical South America
Thalia democratica
Common Salp ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:488) the entire Atlantic coast
Salpa fusiformis

LANCELET (Class Leptocardii)
Caribbean Lancelet ______ FL MD NC VA Chesapeake Bay to the West Indies
Branchiostoma caribaeum

BRACHIOPODS (Phyllum Brachiopoda)

The Phyllum BRACHIOPODA includes, worldwide, about 280 living species of shelled animals, but over 30,000 fossil species have been described from as far back as 600 million years ago.
The BRACHIOPOD SHELL consists of 2 valves and superficially resembles that of the BIVALVE MOLLUSKS (earlier in this list).
But unlike those of MOLLUSKS, the valves of the BRACHIOPODS are upper and lower instead of left and right.
Green-banded Brachiopod ______ FL NC North Carolina to Texas
Glottidea pyramidata
Northern Lampshell ______ (ASC:358) Labrador to New Jersey
Terebratulina septentrionalis

PLANT-LIKE ANIMALS: BRYOZOANS (Phyllum Bryozoa)
Rubbery Bryozoan ______ (ASC:49) from the Arctic to Long Island Sound
Alcyonidium hirsutum
Pussley Bryozoan ______ DE MD VA Cape Cod MA to the Chesapeake Bay
Alcyonidium verrilli
Porcupine Bryozoan ______ (ASC:34) from the Arctic to Long Island Sound
Flustrellidra hispida
Bowerbank's Graceful Bryozoan ______ DE FL MD NC VA Maine to Florida, also North American Pacific coast
Bowerbankia gracilis
Bowerbank's Imbricated Bryozoan ______ DE FL MD NC VA Massachusetts to Florida
Bowerbankia imbricata
Articulated Bryozoan ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:65) Labrador to the West Indies
Crisia spp.
Bushy Twinned Bryozoan ______ (ASC:76) from the Arctic to Cape Cod MA
Eucratea loricata
Hairy Bryozoan ______ (ASC:113) from the Arctic to Long Island Sound
Electra pilosa
Sea Lichen Bryozoan ______ (ASC:48) from the Arctic to Martha's Vineyard MA
Dendrobeania murrayana
Spiral-tufted Bryozoan ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:73) Massachusetts to Florida
Bugula turrita
Ellis' Bryozoan ______ (ASC:47) from the Arctic to Cape Cod MA
Caberea ellisii
Single-horn Bryozoan ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:117) from the Arctic to Florida
Schizoporella unicornis
Staghorn Bryozoan ______ FL NC North Carolina to the West Indies
Schizoporella floridana
Common Red Crust Bryozoan ______ DE FL MD NC VA (ASC:114) Nova Scotia to Florida
Cryptosula pallasiana

References include:

"Sea Life - A Complete Guide to the Marine Environment", edited by Geoffrey Waller, with principal contributors Marc Dando & Michael Burchett, 1996.

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