"Descriptive accounts, distribution maps, and 265 color photographs describe 252 species of mollusk shells as beachcombers are likely to find them"--P. [4] of cover.

... Provides physical descriptions, geographic range, and habitat information on the bivalve shells of Florida, accompanied by close-up photographs of each species covered.

Highlights 28 shelling locations along the eastern seaboard with detailed information on how and where to find shells and other beach collectibles.

Located where the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea converge, the Florida Keys are distinctive for their rich and varied marine fauna. The Keys are home to nearly sixty taxonomic families of bivalves such as clams and mussels--roughly half the world's bivalve family diversity. The first in a series of three volumes on the molluscan fauna of the Keys and adjacent regions, Seashells of Southern Florida: Bivalves provides a comprehensive treatment of these bivalves, and also serves as a comparative anatomical guide to bivalve diversity worldwide. Paula Mikkelsen and Rüdiger Bieler cover more than three hundred species of bivalves, including clams, scallops, oysters, mussels, shipworms, jewel boxes, tellins, and many lesser-known groups. For each family they select an exemplar species and illustrate its shell and anatomical features in detail. They describe habitat and other relevant information, and accompany each species account with high-resolution shell photographs of other family members. Text and images combine to present species--to family-level characteristics in a complete way never before seen. The book includes fifteen hundred mostly color photographs and images of shells, underwater habitats, bivalves in situ, original anatomical and hinge drawings, scanning electron micrographs, and unique transparent--shell illustrations with major organ systems color-coded and clearly shown. Seashells of Southern Florida: Bivalves is the most complete guide to subtropical bivalves available. It is an essential tool for students and teachers of molluscan diversity and systematics, and an indispensable identification guide for collectors, scuba divers, naturalists, environmental consultants, and natural-resource managers.

Guide to over 1,200 species of seashells from all around the world.

Shells of Florida – Gulf of Mexico, A Beachcomber's Guide to Coastal Areas: This colorful, educational guide is an excellent resource for identifying the shells, common sea beans and other coastal drift found in beach, lagoon and bay habitats. Great for all ages and is perfect for anyone who enjoys the coastal areas whether briefly visiting the beach to nature enthusiasts and beachcombers. This conveniently sized guide features photographs grouped by color of some of Florida’s common, uncommon and highly sought shelled animals. Other aquatic coastal animals are also included, plus important information about the wrack line and the coastal drift treasures hidden there. Common and scientific names, shell ranges, maximum sizes, and other features are described in this guide. Field identification assistance and educational tips are also presented. This pocket-sized, 12-panel, laminated, waterproof guide is great for outdoor coastal experiences.