What IS this enormous shell? [url]http://www.badongo.com/pic/7664391

[justlilolm]

I just purchased this shell at a thrift store. I am a basic seashell collector & have no idea what this shell is, or where it came from. That is why I am here! <img src="images/smiley/smile.gif" alt="" border="0" /> It measures 22" long x 9" tall & weighs 7 lbs! It looks very old, as in faded, some holes & water-worn; it is absolutely beautiful! I really would like to know what type of shell, what type of creature made it & inhabited it & if there is any way to tell the age of the shell. Thank you! <!-- e --><a href="mailto:justlilolm@aol.com">justlilolm@aol.com</a><!-- e -->
<a href="http://www.badongo.com/pic/7664391" target="_blank"><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.badongo.com/pic/7664391">http://www.badongo.com/pic/7664391</a><!-- m --></a>  <span class="petit">--Last edited by justlilolm on 2009-10-31 17:22:18 --</span>

[paul monfils]

This is Syrinx aruanus, the Australian Trumpet, from northern Australia, the largest gastropod (snail type) shell in the world.  It probably is quite old, that is to say, collected a long time ago.  When fresh it has a light orange color, but they fade over time, especially if exposed to sunlight.  As far as the age of the shell when collected, that is, how long the animal lived, there is really no way of telling by looking at the shell, but probably not that long.  A snail, just like a large fish, usually only takes a few years to attain full size.  <span class="petit">--Last edited by Paul Monfils on 2009-10-31 18:16:23 --</span>