[attachment=144][attachment=145]I've inherited my grandmothers shells and trying to find out what kind of shell this is. I've searched several identification sites and can't figure out which family it belongs to. Thanks for any help in advance!
This is a member of the giant clam family, Tridacnidae. The largest species in this family can reach nearly 4 feet in length, but this is one of the smaller species, seldom reaching 1 foot in length. It's common name is Bear Paw Clam. Scientific name Hippopus hippopus.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear_paw_clam