Diversity of Shells

In the Estero Bay we found a diversity of shells. We identified these when we went to Mound Key to look at the diet and use of shells by the Calusa Indians. They used to shells to build the mound for ceremonial rituals, but also used them as tools and ate molluscs for food. At Mound Key four groups took quadrants and identified 100 shells. The most prevalent shell found was the Eastern Oyster shell. This is because the Calusa relied heavily on oyster for food. Quahogs, Florida Fighting Conchs, and Periwinkle shells were also very prevalent in the area.
Shells are identified mostly by shape. Quahogs are hard clam (bivalve) shells that have dark lines running horizontally. The Florida Fighting conch are conch shells from marine snails that that have a spiral spine on top with a large lip opening and is relatively even in wideness. The Common periwinkle shell is very small growing only up to around 12 mm. It comes from a small sea snail. The shell is oval with a sharp point and wide opening.