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Black olive
As each fragment is pried off it is checked for shells and then tossed into the area previously cleared. The reason for this
method is that some shells drop off the coral the moment it is disturbed. Others hang on momentarily then drop off. After the
coral-head has been demolished, I again check each piece previously tossed aside, searching for any shells that might still
be clinging to the coral or that have dropped off as the coral hit the cleared area. By this time the area originally
occupied by the coral-head should have cleared up and I start fanning the silt under the coral-head.
In 40 to 50 feet of water a coral-head such as this might produce several species of Cypraea, the species depending on the
marine growth in the coral. Most Cypraea tessellata that I have collected have been found in such a coral-head and almost
always there was a brownish, leaf-like algal growth into which the tessellata blended perfectly. If the coral-head contained
a reddish, sponge-like growth, Cypraea fimbriata, teres, gaskoini, and rashleighana might be found. If a brilliant, yellowish
growth is present no shells are likely to be found. Most Cypraea will be found in the upper branches of the coral head.
In the lower branches near the ocean bottom might be found species of Cymatium, Nassarius papillosus, Latirus nodus (although
this shell is more likely to be found out in the open), and several smaller cone species. The fine silt under the coral head
is a likely place for Conus textile and striatus, spiceri, pertusus, and Distorsio anus, to mention a few of the more
uncommon shells. Conus leopardus is usually found out in the open in sandy or slightly silty areas such as between the coral
heads and coral rubble in the photo. This also applies to Murex insularum and some of the more common deep water cones such
as lividus, flavidus, imperialis, morletti, and in shallower water, ebraeus and chaldaeus. An area as shown in the
accompanying photograph should provide collecting for at least 35 minutes which is my usual time for a single cylinder of air
in 60 to 70 feet of water. It could easily produce 15 to 20 species of shells. The secret of rewarding collecting is
thoroughness and patience. Like gold, the shells are there. All you have to do is find them.
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black olive
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