Minature Mussel? - Printable Version +- Forums SEASHELL-COLLECTOR (http://forum.seashell-collector.com) +-- Forum: Seashell Collector's Forum (http://forum.seashell-collector.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=3) +--- Forum: Shells identification Help (http://forum.seashell-collector.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=5) +--- Thread: Minature Mussel? (/showthread.php?tid=783)

Minature Mussel? - blovesj - 05-28-2009 I found this tiny shell in Tampa on Florida's Gulf Coast.  It looks to me like a very small Mussel, possibly <i>Geukensia granosissima</i>.  However, I'm not sure due to its small size (13mm) and well defined alternating white and reddish/brown bands. Thanks in advance for the help! <img src="http://phillipsfamily.ws/unknown_shell.jpg" alt="http://phillipsfamily.ws/unknown_shell.jpg" style="border:0" /> Minature Mussel? - paul monfils - 06-05-2009 I don't think this is the right shape for a Geukensia.  I think it looks more like a Brachidontes.  In any case, you can't let the small size influence your ID determination.  They all start out life small.  Even a 200 pound Tridacna gigas was once a few millimeters in length! Minature Mussel? - blovesj - 06-07-2009 Paul-- appreciate the advice.  I think you're right about the shape.  It is almost certainly <i>Brachidontes exustus</i>.  I've seen a few photos, and while the coloring is somewhat variable, the shape, ribbing, and banding appear to be the same.  Thanks.