Fasciolaria tulipa · Fasciolariidae
How to identify a true tulip
Elongate, smooth shell with fine spiral lines and an unridged shoulder. Cream to greyish base overlaid with irregular brown streaks or blotches. Adults commonly 3–7 inches; can exceed 9 inches.
- Smooth spindle shape with a moderately tall spire
- Fine spiral incised lines — no strong ridges between whorls
- Cream base with irregular brown streaks and blotches
- Family
- Fasciolariidae
- Class
- Gastropod
- Regions
- Gulf Coast · Southeast · Caribbean
- Habitat
- Sandy Subtidal · Grass Flats
- Collector level
- Intermediate
Common in shallow Gulf grass flats; whole beach finds after weather.
Collect with care
- True tulips are predatory — check the aperture and return live specimens to seagrass.