Sunburst Carrier Shell

Although the Sunburst Carrier Shell belongs to the Xenophoridae family which is known for attaching random objects to their shells, this is not the practice of this particular species.

These flat coiled shells have a sunburst pattern finishing with 14 long spines, whilst the underside displays wonderfully detailed spiralling lines emulating from its centre.

Carrier Shells or Xenophoridae, are quite unique and unusual in that some species attach shells, debris, rock, pebbles and even bits of corals to themselves, possibly for disguise.

The Sunburst species are usually found in deep waters, with only the empty shells tending to wash up on shore.

The shells can be found in Philippine waters.

Please note, it’s actually quite rare for this species to have not received a little damage during its lifetime as the spines are very soft. The images shown are a good representation of current stocks.

Size: approx  8-9 cm across