20 Marine Shells of the Western Coast of Florida 



in from three to seven fathoms of water. After a northwest blow it 

 is frequently one of the most abundant shells on the beach. With 

 this Pecten are associated Pecten rcweneli and Pecten ziczac, but 

 in relatively small numbers, and in depths of five fathoms and more 

 Pecten nodosus is found. Pecten gibbus irradians is a common bay 

 species. In many localities it is sufficiently abundant to be dredged 

 for the market. 



Many species, among them Cantharus tinctus, C. multangulus, 

 Muricopsis ostrearum, Fasciolaria papulosa, and F. hunteria, 

 Strombus pugilis alatus, Murex florifer arenarius, Chione canceUata 

 and some of the Lucinidae are common at varying depths both in 

 inside and open waters. 



A seasonal variation in numbers of individuals is evident in 

 the case of some genera, notably Pecten, Oliva, Murex, and Fasciola- 

 ria, probably coincident with the spawning period when they seem 

 to seek more shallow water. Spawning of mollusks is observed in 

 the Florida region from November to midsummer, but the season of 

 reproductive activity for individual species is not continuous through 

 this long period. There seems also to be a difference in the abundance 

 of certain pelecypods from year to year as suggested by the pre- 

 sence of their shells on the beaches in great numbers, or their almost 

 total absence for several years; notable examples of this circumstance 

 are Pecten muscosus, Chione canceUata, Spisula solidissima similis, 

 and Area zebra. 



For collecting beyond beach limits some equipment is necessary 

 Convenient containers are needed for shells and pails for living 

 material — nonmetal if animals are to be kept alive for any length 

 of time. Jars and vials should be provided for rare, small, or deli- 

 cate specimens — some containing 50 per cent alcohol if it is de- 

 sired to preserve the animal. Forceps, knife, and pocket lens are 

 useful. 



Work in shallow water at low tide requires a long-handled shovel 

 and a sieve approximately in size 24 by 18 inches, by some three 

 inches in depth. Its bottom should be of good wire screen, 16 squares 

 to the inch. It is well to have the bottom reinforced with heavier 

 and larger mesh screen. Place a shovelful of sand or mud in the 



