Green Tusk Shell

The Green Tusk Shell (Dentalium viridum) is a marine mollusk belonging to the class Scaphopoda. Found in the sandy and muddy seabeds of the Atlantic Ocean, particularly off the coast of North America, this mollusk is characterized by its slender, tusk-like shell, which is typically greenish in color. Green Tusk Shells burrow into the sediment with their narrow end, leaving only the broader end exposed. They feed on microscopic organisms and detritus by capturing them with their tentacle-like structures called captacula. These creatures play an essential role in the benthic ecosystem, contributing to the nutrient cycle and serving as prey for various marine animals. Their unique shells are sometimes collected and used in jewelry and decorative crafts. All shells and sea life vary in size and shape. You will receive a high quality specimen of the selected item but not the exact one pictured.