Shell of the Week: The Southern Ribbed Mussel
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.




- Apr 9, 2021
Shell of the Week: The Southern Horse Mussel


- Dec 4, 2020
Shell of the Week: The Calico Clam


- Dec 20, 2019
Shell of the Week: The Florida Lucine


- Mar 1, 2019
Shell of the Week: The Plicate Mangelia


- Sep 14, 2018
The Fragile Surf Clam


- Mar 30, 2018
The Coral-eating Mussel


- Nov 24, 2017
The Unequal Spoon Clam


- Oct 6, 2017
The Tea Drillia