Here is a list of the shells and marine life visible in the image, with their English names and brief descriptions:
1. Murex Shells (Rock Snails)
Description: These are large, striking gastropod shells characterized by elaborate spines, fronds, or knobs extending from the outer lip. They are often white or pale beige and are highly prized by collectors for their intricate, sculptural appearance.
2. Scallop Shells
Description: Recognizable by their classic fan shape and radiating ribs or grooves. The valves are usually symmetrical. In this collection, there are various types, including some with brown and white banding (like the Bay Scallop) and others that are purely white or cream.
3. Whelks (True Whelks / Rapa Whelk)
Description: These are medium-to-large sea snails with a heavy, spiral shell. The specimen in the top right has a distinct glossy orange aperture (opening) inside, which is characteristic of certain predatory whelks like the Rapana venosa (Veined Rapa Whelk).
4. Sea Urchin Tests (Skeletons)
Description: These are the hard, calcium carbonate skeletons (called "tests") of sea urchins. They appear as flattened spheres with a distinctive five-part radial symmetry pattern on top. They range in color from light tan to dark brown in this image.
5. Cockles
Description: These are bivalve mollusks similar to clams but distinguished by their strongly ribbed, somewhat heart-shaped shells. The ribs usually extend from the hinge to the edge of the shell.
6. Limpets
Description: These have a simple, univalve shell shaped like a cone or a hat (hence the name). They lack the complex spirals of snails and are designed to clamp tightly onto rocks in the intertidal zone.
7. Cowries
Description: Although harder to see clearly in detail, there appear to be smooth, glossy, egg-shaped shells. Cowries are known for their porcelain-like shine and are often used in jewelry.
8. Starfish (Sea Star)
Description: While not a shell (it is an echinoderm), there is a small, dried orange starfish included in the arrangement. It has five arms and adds texture variety to the collection.
9. Auger Shells / Turrids
Description: These are long, thin, turret-like gastropod shells that resemble a carpenter's auger bit. They are delicate and pointed.