The beauty of seashells
In December 2023 I practiced still-life photography of some seashells that showed the simple, stylistic beauty inherit in these works of nature. Unfortunately, after that time, other things got in the way so I never got around to sharing the photographs, until now. There were only a few shells, but I hope that they represent the elegant beauty of seashells, with their curves and colours, and I hope that you enjoy the photographs below.
Agate Helmet
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 640, 100mm, f/18 and 1 SEC])
Agate Helmet (Semicassis labiata) is a predatory seashell, as can be seen from the notch in the base of the shell that would allow a siphon to protrude to assist with hunting.
Sordid Moon Shell
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 100, 100mm, f/18 and 1/125 SEC])
Sordid Moon Shell (Polinices (Conuber) sordidus) is also a predatory seashell, including on other shellfish, although it hunts by rasping a hole in the victim’s shell. It inhabitants the intertidal zone, including in inlets and mangroves. Its egg case looks like a crescent-shaped jellyfish.
Brown Bubble Shell
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 100, 100mm, f/18 and 1/125 SEC])
Brown Bubble Shell (Bulla quoyii) feeds on algae and sometimes the film of seagrass. It prefers sandy or rocky bottoms, and does not normally like to be exposed at low tide. So, although it inhabits the sub to intertidal zone, it will stay where it is wet if it can’t move with the tide.
Rough Turban Shell
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 100, 100mm, f/18 and 1/160 SEC])
Rough Turban Shell (Turbo (Ninella) torquatus) juvenile showing the ribbing this species is known for, and the orange splotches for a juvenile shell. This shellfish feeds on algae, making its home among the rocks below the low-tide level. It is normally covered in seaweed making it hard to see.
Sowerby’s Volute
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 640, 100mm, f/18 and 1 SEC])
Sowerby’s Volute (Ericusa sowerbyi) is endemic to Australia and found from Queensland, down along the east coast to South Australia, including Tasmania. It can live in deep water, down to at least 80 fathoms. There is not much else easily found about the shell, other than it was first described in 1839.
Giant Whelk
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 640, 100mm, f/18 and 1 SEC])
The Giant Whelk (Penion maximus) is a predatory shell that lives on the sandy bottom. It is endemic to eastern Australia, and found down to at least 60-70 fathoms.
New Holland Spindle
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 640, 100mm, f/18 and 1 SEC])
New Holland Spindle (Fusinus novaehollandiae) is another predatory shell with a range from Queensland to Western Australia, including Tasmania. It lives on the sandy and muddy bottom, down to probably 500 m.
Australian Commercial Scallop
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 100, 100mm, f/8.0 and 1/800 SEC])
Australian Commercial Scallop (Pecten fumatus) is a common shape for most people, and a lot of folk have probably enjoyed a scallop on a meal table. This species of scallop has two shells that are the same size, with the top shell, shown in the photograph being flat, while the bottom shell is convex. I liked the ribs of this shell, with their rubbed appearance adding some depth to the flat shell.
I am glad that I finally shared these images because I think that shells are things of beauty. They are also important parts of the ecosystem, with so many species out of our view because they inhabit deeper water. They are part of the food chain and also important elements in helping to breakdown dead plants and animals so that nutrients can return to the food chain. I hope this post has helped to show the beauty of these important animals.
