Southwest Florida Shells

by José H. Leal

Family Chamidae

Chama macerophylla

(Gmelin, 1791)

Leafy Jewel Box

Shell size to 70 mm; shell rounded, with an irregular outline. As in other species in the genus Chama, attaches itself to hard substrates by deep left valve, which turns from right to left. Sculpture of large, scale-like or leaf-like projections arranged concentrically. Inner margin of valves finely crenulated. Color white, yellow, rose, purple, or combinations of these colors.