common shell sanibel florida

I spied thousands of ARKS at Gulfside City Park on Sanibel Island this morning. Most days you can find TRANSVERSE ARKS scattered along the beach since they are one of the most common shells on Sanibel.

ark shells sanibel

There are a few different species of ARKS so let me show you the difference. Top row left to right-  a MOSSY ARK and a TURKEY WING. Bottom row left to right- CUT-RIBBED ARK, TRANSVERSE ARK and a PONDEROUS ARK.

common sanibel ark shells difference

It’s a little easier to identify bivalves and see the difference (and the likeness) between them by looking at the interior of the shell. 

interior ark shells

I only had a few minutes to walk the beach today so I just wanted to look for minis in some of the wrack lines I pointed out the other day in my Shelling 101 video. I found TUSK SHELLS (there were thousands of those too), a KEYHOLE LIMPET, WENTLETRAPS, CERITHS, AUGERS, a TURRID, juvie CONCHS, juvie OLIVE, and a piece of CORAL.

miniature shells sanibel gulf side city park

I also found a somewhat beat up LINEATE DOVE SNAIL.

Lineate dove snail sanibel

If you need any help identifying any of these shells, check out my Seashells Identification Page

common shell sanibel florida

As I walked this morning, I couldn’t help but notice this amazing village sand sculpture on the beach- with its own arena and swimming pool. I was inspired to write about ARK SHELLS because so many artists like to use these sweet little white shells as embellishments for their pieces of art- just like this beach artist did. ARKS are perfect decorations for so many projects. Inspiring!

sand castle village sanibel

pam rambo shelling trips