Australian Baler Shell - large shell

The Australian Baler Shell is also known as a Melo Amphora which belong to the well know family of volute shells that are popular with collectors.

The oval outline of the shell finishes on a spiky end. They have a smooth surface coloured a pale orange, with a decorative irregular brown patterning; the interior has a glossy cream appearance.

The shells were highly valued by Aboriginal people, who used them to store water or used them as scoops to bail out their boats, hence the name of baler shell.

Baler shells are carnivorous and prey on other molluscs such as scallops. They are generally nocturnal animals who usually bury themselves in the sand by day.

Common to Western Australia.

Please Note: The last four images show the actual shell to be supplied, as the patterns on our latest consignment are quite varied.

Size: 15 x 25cm long (6 x 10 inches)