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shells from oahu north shore
02-26-2008, 07:31 PM,
#1
shells from oahu north shore
What are these?  I think the lower one is part of the Cypraeidae family (glossy, brown/beige/tan), but the top one doesn't fit any of the families listed on the family ID site.  
<a href="http://www.badongo.com/pic/3026197" target="_blank"><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.badongo.com/pic/3026197">http://www.badongo.com/pic/3026197</a><!-- m --></a>
<a href="http://www.badongo.com/pic/3026229" target="_blank"><!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.badongo.com/pic/3026229">http://www.badongo.com/pic/3026229</a><!-- m --></a>
Do these have common names?
North Shore Oahu is certainly not a seashell heaven, but these are very different from what I regularly found on the East Coast of the US.
Sorry for the pictures; will try to do better next time.  I think it needs a flash.    
Thanks for your help!!
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02-27-2008, 10:23 AM,
#2
shells from oahu north shore
Hi there. Top shell is Drupa ricinus the Prickly Pacific Drupe, widespread in the Indo-Pacific region.
Lower shell is Cypraea caputserpentis caputophidii, the Hawaiian Snake's-head Cowry. This subspecies is endemic to Hawaii, and I believe it is being raised in status to a full species.
Dave
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02-27-2008, 11:18 AM,
#3
shells from oahu north shore
Yep, I googled the prickly pacific drupe and I see it--this one is worn, but still has a green tone to it and snaggly teeth.  I just got back from walking on the beach and found another of the cowrie.  They must be pretty common here.
A whole new world of seashells for me!  Mahalo plenty for your help.
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