Our Paradise – Shell Collecting Why We Collect Shells! Shell collecting (also known as Conchology) have been around since the early to mid 1700’s. Conchology is the branch of Zoology that deals with the hard structures of the invertebrate animals known as their shells; verses, Malacology, the science and study of the animal’s soft parts. This is one of the oldest hobbies known to man. Most prefer to make shell collecting a hobby and but for a few, it turns the hobby into a lucrative business; others enter the business and turn into a scientific venture and pass time. I have been involved in the shell business since 1983, and turned a hobby into a business, and than into a scientific venture. Taking the knowledge gained from my experience and now I have the opportunity to give back to the public by educational out-reached programs. Since 1991, I have been lecturing at certain private and public schools on invertebrate biology, aquaculture, and aquarium/fish keeping science. Between the periods of 1983 through 1989, I had the opportunity to study shells and invertebrates from bi-product catches from the Lobster fishing industry. Brought into the Lobster traps were shells occupied by the Hermit Crab genus: Dardanus; and some species of mollusks were carnivores, feeding on the trapped Lobsters, Shrimps, Octopus’ or excretions from the bait containers. About 75 to 80 percent of the species were identified from recently published books on Hawaiian and Pacific species of shells; although, the remaining 20 or 25 percent or so are yet to be identified, or a few was identified, but not accurately—although, given the time period, availability of resources, and monetary constraints, identification seem accurate than. After careful research and observation, we have come across many new species; all new to science; and some species were even changed or identified new. There are many species un-named from this locality and many un-answered questions. Many families, genus’, and species are included in my database from this locality and soon to be published in a CD book. Below are two beautiful Harp Shells collected from this locality. Shell collecting involves some knowledge of families, genus’ and species, etc.—with experience, come knowledge. Be aware of prices, quality, and descriptive deceptions. The term “Rare” does not mean that it would cost a lot of money—its’ all dependent on the family, genus, or species. The best advise would be to pick-up good price guides and books on shells of that particular area; of course there is the internet, which is a reference in its own—and study, study, and study. One of the best places to obtain shells and knowledge is on Ebay. Most Dealer’s on Ebay have been selling and researching shells for quite a long time, and build-up quite good reputations and knowledge base.

The important part of obtaining shells for your collection is true and complete as possible scientific data upon collection. Some that might fudge the data, would be almost worthless to the price of the shell. Never buy a shell that denotes its collection or data: “ No Data”. You might only end-up with a shell that only has its’ name; on the other hand, if the specimen or species was only found in a certain area and you know that it’s limited distribution and rarity, one might consider bidding, especially if the price is right. Collection data or scientific data is so important, that it not only identifies the particular shell, but also gives organization, historical, and pleasing to look at to your audience viewing the shell collection. When entertaining guests or visitors to your collection, data shows organization and the seriousness and dedication to your hobby. Most collection or scientific data is organize by first, the Class (usually Gastropoda or Bivalvia or other classes), the family, than the genus, sub-genus (if any), species name (genus and species in italics), sub-species name (if any), followed by the authority (usual the person or persons that named or described the species, etc.); Locality (area or country, etc. that the specimen was collected), followed by the remarks or notes which denotes that method of collection (i.e. – diver taken, dredge, trawler, tangle nets, traps, etc., the depth, or other data such as: buried in sand, under coral rubble, depth of collection, person or persons or organizations involved in the collection, and of course the date of collection which is extremely important). Other data which could be included is the range, longitude and latitude information, mapping, or other descriptive information would be classified as much more complete scientific information.

SAMPLE DATA SLIPS

Common name: Conoidal’ Harp Shell Class: Gastropoda Family: Harpidae Scientific name: Harpa major Roding, 1798 cf: Harpa conoidalis Lamarck, 1822 Locality: Makua Beach, O’ahu, Hawai’i Remarks: Diver taken, 90 feet, buried in sand; 12/06/02 Collected by: Daniel Goodwin Range: All Hawaiian Islands Notes: Hawaiian specimens display unique colorations and patterns from indo.-pacific counterparts

Common name: Goodwin’s Harp Shell Class: Gastropoda Family: Harpidae Scientific name: Harpa goodwini Rehder, 1993 Locality: northwestern Hawaiian Islands Remarks: 82-229 meters, Lobster Traps; 1983-1989 Collected by: (Michael Rogers-Vessel: Haida) Range: Oahu, Kauai, and the NWHI

Common name: Decayed Nerite Class: Gastropoda Family: Neritidae Scientific name: Theodoxus cariosa (Wood, 1828) Locality: Kapia Stream, Hana, Maui, Hawai’i Remarks: Shallows, 1 meter, under rocks; 03/15/91 Collected by: Daniel Goodwin Range: Kauai, O’ahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii

Buying on Ebay -- There is a wealth of shell collectibles on ebay -- Search for your favorite family, genus, or species; remember if the shell you are looking for is not found--come-back, most dealer's post items weekly, monthly, or ocassionally--you might find it later. Feel free to communicate with the seller/dealer, ask questions about a particular item, or request aditional PIXs or Photos. Keep you questions to the item concerned or being viewed. Remember, there is no silly question, but only the one not asked. Most of all, have fun shopping on Ebay -- It's So Exciting!

Shell collecting is one of the greatest past times a person, persons, or family can do together; whether beach combing, reef walking, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, trapping, dredging, trawling, or even fossil hunting on the land, one can enjoy nature, a scientific venture, and enjoyment from the company that surrounds you. Get to work, study, and have fun with strangers or getting to know co-workers, this hobby is a total and absolute enjoyment and paradise for us. Shell collecting has been a paradise to me, great pass time, scientific venture, and fun for whole the family. It’s also a great educational tool, not only for the kids, but the whole family. And, that is “Why We Collect Shells”.

Thanks’ for Reading my Guide, Mollusksshells101