Description: This bivalve shell is attached to the substrate with one shell. The shells are roundish with numerous spines in rows. The spines can be up to 4 cm. long. The color is variable, from white via yellow and orange to purple. Size: up to 10 cm.
Habitat: The shell lives on reefs, usually under overhangs or in recesses. Well camouflaged by its color. Depth: ranges from 12 m down to 40 m.
Distribution: Common all over the Caribbean.
Remarks: In most countries it is illegal to bring back these shells from holidays.
Kingdom Animalia Phylum Mollusca Class Bivalvia Genus Spondylus Species Spondylus americanus
Status in World Register of Marine Species
Not included in WoRMS database
Scientific synonyms and common names
Atlantic thorny-oyster [English]
Humann, P., 1992. Reef Creature Identification - Florida Caribbean Bahamas, (ed. N. Deloach). New World Publications, Inc., Paramount Miller Graphics, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida.
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