strange find - almost jesus-like - help is apperciated

[dale]

Hi all - I'm new to the site and would appreciate any help identifying this shell. It was given to me from someone in Texas - the picture does it no justice. It's almost spooky - it's quite similar to a crucifix I wear - if you look closely.

<a href="http://systemsolvers.webs.com/apps/photos/" target="_blank"><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://systemsolvers.webs.com/apps/photos/">http://systemsolvers.webs.com/apps/photos/</a><!-- m --></a>

Thank you and have an awesome day!

Dale

<!-- e --><a href="mailto:dalejwhite@hotmail.com">dalejwhite@hotmail.com</a><!-- e -->

[paul monfils]

Not a shell, but the skull of a marine catfish commonly (and appropriately) called the crucifix catfish, scientific name Arius proops (also sometimes listed as Bagrus proops or Hexanematichthys proops). Since I'm not an ichthyologist I don't know which name takes precedence.

<a href="http://www.panoramio.com/photo/20618204" target="_blank"><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.panoramio.com/photo/20618204">http://www.panoramio.com/photo/20618204</a><!-- m --></a>

.  <span class="petit">--Last edited by Paul Monfils on 2009-06-24 01:08:47 --</span>

[dale]

wow - thank you soooo much! Jeeeesh - I owe you big time  <img src="images/smiley/smile.gif" alt="" border="0" />

[dale]

Seriously Paul - can I promote u on Twitter for my TY - I have just over 2000 followers so far. I have a difficult time accepting free advice.

Dale