Australian Trumpet Shell - large

Delicate peach-orange in colour the Australian Trumpet Shell (syrinx aruanus) is recognised as being the world’s largest marine gastropod and have been known to grow up to 90 cm in length.

These large specimens make a stunning addition to any display or collection.

Their shells over time have been used for a variety of purposes that include, water carriers, trumpets, once a hole has been drilled, as a source of lime once ground and also used by Australia’s aboriginal men to make half-moon-shaped nose pins (imiua).

Even though these shells are incredible in size, as a species in general not much is known about their behaviours or ecology.

For a moment just imagine the size of the animal (snail) that inhabited these amazing shells; we’re quite sure most people would probably cross the road if they saw one approaching on a dark night.

Relatively common they can be found in the warm waters off the northern half of the Australian coastline extending into southern New Guinea and Indonesia.

While living creatures can still wash up on shorelines, it’s typically the empty shells that are found.

Size: approx  25 cm W x 20 cm H x 52 cm L (10 x 8 x 20.5 inches)