Southwest Florida Shells

by José H. Leal

Family Cardiidae

Laevicardium pictum

(Ravenel, 1861)

Painted Egg Cockle

Shell size to 25 mm; shell smooth, polished, triangular, moderately inflated. Color white or cream with delicate shades of brown or rose; sometimes with strong, brown zigzag streaks. Common offshore; became common on Sanibel beaches after 1995-1996 beach nourishment project.