Types of Seashells

Vole shells are also known as Melon Conchs and can be found commonly on most beaches. They belong to the family of Melongenidae and they find their natural habitats in shallow and tropical waters. Vole shells are included in the list of some of the largest shells known with large apertures and canals that resemble siphons which are quite long. The body of the shell whirls around and has a smooth texture. Most Voles are found in brackish water or on sand. Voles are carnivorous organisms that feed mostly on sea snails and clams.

Striped Fox Shells also belong to the conch family and its scientific name is Fasiolaria Filamentosa. The Striped Fox shell is easily distinguishable owing to the very prominent spiral ridges and shoulder with angled stumpy tubercles that can be found on the surface. The shell is commonly found with red and brown coloured stripes and is said to be native to the Indo-Pacific region that ranges from the East Indian Ocean all the way to the Northern coastline of Australia.

The common name of this particular type of seashell is known as the Marbled Cone. The species is a predatory sea snail and a marine gastropod mollusk that belongs to the Conidae family which are known as the Cone Snails, Cone Shells or simply Cones. Cones are believed to feed mostly on marine mollusks including even other types of Cones. Like all other Cone Snails these are venomous. The colour patterns on these shells are reticulated and could vary from black with white spots to orange and white.

Named after the Greek God Triton, who was the son of Poseidon the god of the seas, the Tritons have large Fusiform shells that are usually whitish yellow or with brown markings. They are active predators and are known to give chase when the scent of prey is detected. Most beach lovers find Triton shells an interesting design object and they are also sold as part of the international shell trade for the same purpose. Many a Phuket luxury resort that has access to the beach is placed along a coastal region where these shells are commonly washed ashore.

These nautiluses are in reality octopuses with the paper thin calcified shell actually being an egg shell that is made by the females of the species. Most beach combers treasure these shells as they are rarely found. If you happen to spend your vacation at an island like Phuket, and if you are determined to find a few of these beauties to take home as souvenirs, you can try exploring the beaches nearby that are also home to a large number of restaurants, cafes, shops and even resorts such as the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. Found widely in tropical and semi-tropical waters, large numbers of these creatures can be found in Australia.