Curator's Corner

Museum, research, and collection updates from Dr. José H. Leal, plus Shell of the Week, which highlights a different species every Friday. Most Shells of the Week—but not all—are found in Southwest Florida.

Dr. José H. Leal serves as the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum’s Science Director and Curator. He received his Ph.D. in Marine Biology and Fisheries from the University of Miami and has served at the Museum since 1996. Under his leadership, the Museum was awarded its first accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums in 2010.

José H. Leal

Nov 25, 2016

The Atlantic Wing Oyster

The Atlantic Wing Oyster, Pteria colymbus (Röding, 1798), gets its common name from the expansions on its shell, which are technically known as auricles. Atlantic Wing Oysters are commonly found living in association with Sea Whips and other gorgonians, to which they attach using a bundle of fibers called the byssus. Its shell may grow to about 2–2.5 inches. Shells are brownish, with rays of lighter color. The shell on young individuals shows auricles that are relatively larg

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