‘BEAUTY & THE BEACH’: A CLOSE LOOK AT SOME ABACO SHELLS
And to end with, not a shell but a somewhat unattractive head shot…
BEAUTY PARADE
UGLY BUG BALL…
Can anyone ID this? It’s not what I thought… *later* yes they can! See comments for the debate
All shells – & the spider crab carapace – collected from the beach at Casuarina
ROLLING HARBOUR ABACO 
I love shells and always used to collect them as a kid whenever I went to the seaside. Great post!
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I’m starting to ‘get into’ shells. Before they were just… shells, but in close-up, or arranged ‘artily’ they take on a new beauty (like the 2 spirula on the table). RH
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RH! I realize I chime in on a host of subjects, but my specialty is Molluscs. If there’s ever a question on “shells”,Molluscs, I’m your man! I’ve written columns in magazines and have published in a major scientific journal. So don’t be shy about questions…….. Did I mention I’m retired, and my wife thinks I’ll keep my mental health up by involving myself in such endeavours?
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Hi Rick, that sounds good to me: I find ID of similar types of shell quite complicated, so any advice appreciated! I’ve got more shells to come, so feel free to correct ID… And yes, you mentioned retirement and your wife’s suggestion – what a good one it is… RH
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Hi to Nick, Rick & Jessica. Many thanks for your contributions, informative comments and for solving the puzzle. Initially I thought it was a horseshoe crab, but that was pretty dim of me I realise. So it’s good to have some authoritative views. Rick, I’d like to see a vid of you doing the urchin trick!
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RH, since I won’t be in the ocean again until Sept/Oct in Andros, I’ll try to explain it better…..Using some thick gloves, slide a long, thin object under the urchin, once you’ve gotten him out of his lair, then raise him up a ways and spank him 2 0r 3 times. This won’t harm the urchin or the shrimps, but It will break a few spines, and they self repair. It’s really easiest at night when they’re out and about. If you really want to see cool critters, get a good dive light and snorkel around some shallow reefs w/ some friends at night. Bring a “Bug Bag” for foraging lobsters!
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That’s something I’ll really have to try, Rick!
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Ooooh I think we were both right. Libinia dubia, is also known as the Southern spider crab.
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OK, in light of other evidence I have changed my mind. The sockets are still eye sockets but I am now going for a spider crab.
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BTW, I believe the crab carapace pictured here is that of a Libinia crab, also known as a Longnosed Crab,(Imagine that!)
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I agree with Nick.
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Impressive camera work, RH! If you have the opportunity, try to collect a live Sea Biscuit (Meoma ventricosa), a hardy Echinoderm species. Most will be harbouring several symbiotic Pea Crabs(Dissodactylus primitivus). They lend themselves to very interesting,even endearing photographs. I believe I remember seeing numerous Meomas inside Tilloo channel near the first turn inbound. They’re a Helmet Conch’s favorite food. Ask around, I’m sure many locals could find a few for you to photograph. Also, there’s a Host- specific commensal shrimp(Tuleareocaris neglecta), on many Diademas(Long-spined Black Sea Urchins). These are small, sleek and black, and will be more of a challenge to photograph. Divers can easily dislodge them by elevating an urchin w/ a dive knife or reasonable facsimile, then tapping the urchin a few times. This should allow some to free-fall, which can then be caught in a wide-mouthed jar. When placed in a bucket or aquarium, they will return to their host. Good luck!
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You got a pic from the other end? My guess is that its a bleached out skeleton of a lobster / crawfish. The two front bits being the eye sockets.
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