SPONDYLIDAE Spondylus reesianus  

Philippines. Balut Island. Tangle nets. 100-150 m. 2017.  

Size: 98.6 mm.

"REESIANUS WITH AMAZING SPINES

This is a deep water species which was quite easy to obtain - with short spines - until a few years ago. Today, it is a very rare shell in nice condition.

”Beautiful spines” pieces have always been rare. In this shell, the majority of the early spines have a trinagular “wing” on each side. Superb setting. As the shell grows, the wings disappear and the spines become very long and slender near the periphery.

The reesianus is a deep-water Spondylus. This genus has a number of thorny oysters which like it deep: erectospinosus, deforgesi, swinneni and others: all dwell around in the 100 m zone.

We see appearing the name of “reesianus Sowerby II, 1903” in modern literature in 2003 only: in the second edition of Lamprell’s work on the family. Spondylus serraticosta Prashad, 1932 and S. gloriandus Oliver, 1995 are synonyms according to Lamprell.

Recorded in the literature from Japan, the Moluccas, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands and the Philippines. 

Hard to get quality in one of the most fascinating deep water Spondylus."

- Poppe

Documented by Conchology Inc.

Please enjoy the detailed images to confirm overall quality and condition