#23-Thorny Oyster (Spondylus)- Auckland Shell Club

These shells have developed long spines to protect them from being eaten by fish.

Read more:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spondylus 

Spondylus shells were highly valued by the Aztecs and used in their ornate jewellery. At certain times of the year these shells are poisonous - Aztec shamans would eat the toxic flesh to induce hallucinations.

Below; an Aztec shaman:

Below: Aztec mosaic snake and skull with turquoise and spondylus shell:

Read more: https://www.mexicolore.co.uk/aztecs/home/skilled-use-of-conch-shell-in-mosaics 

Read about thorny oysters and their cultural significance in South American cultures: https://storiesfromthemuseumfloor.wordpress.com/2018/06/22/red-gold-a-story-of-sacred-shells/ 

One of the largest websites for information on shells is: https://www.shells-of-aquarius.com 

Spondylus are masters of disguise - their long spines encourage the growth of very colourful marine algae which serves to camouflage the large tasty oyster from predators.



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