Southwest Florida Shells

by José H. Leal

Family Vermetidae

Petaloconchus varians

(d'Orbigny, 1839)

Variable Worm Snail

Shell size (diameter) to 7 mm; a colonial gastropod that may form massive offshore reef-like structures. Usually found as clumps of calcareous tubes in shades of brown color. Tubes are usually about 7 mm in diameter and may have a finely reticulated surface sculpture.