- Jan 2 2011
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- Pointe Santo
- 0
Junonia, Sanibel’s rarest shell…..
Beloved for its great beauty and rarity, the large sea snail, Scaphella junonia, is the most coveted shell on Sanibel. This mollusk lives in the deep water of the tropical Western Atlantic. Because of its deepwater habitat, junonias are generally found only after strong storms wash them up on the beach.
If you find a junonia while shelling on Sanibel Island, you can get your picture in the local newspapers. This rare shell is considered the ultimate “find” by shellers on Sanibel. Due to its east-west orientation, Sanibel Island is reputed to have the best shelling in North America. The island acts as a “net” literally “catching” shells from the prevailing Gulf currents. While Sanibel’s beaches are covered in shells,the junonia remains incredibly difficult to find and is greatly prized.
To see junonias on display, visit the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, the Sanibel Public Library or the Sanibel Shell Fair in early March.
