THE DOLPHIN SHELLS Genus DELPHINULA, Lam.
Shell of a flattened top shape, solid, heavy, with large round aperture and deep umbilicus; body whorl turns downward, nearly free from the one next to it; all whorls keeled and spinose or set with horns.
The Fringed Dolphin Shell (D. laciniata, Lam.) is a good example of a striking but not very abundant genus. The outer coil is scarcely joined to the one above it, the apex is flat, and the keeled whorls are armed with spines and hollow horns of different sizes, set in parallel rows. The ground colour is white,; the
projections all dark red, purplish or black. The lining is pearly. Diameter, 3 inches; altitude, 2 inches.
This Oriental species varies exceedingly in form, colour and sculpture, as does the whole genus.
Habitat.— Philippines.
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