Mounted Shell Sculpture, Sea Shell on Stand, Tropical Shell Display, Elegant Coastal Decor, Beach House Gift, Nautical Marine Home Accent

A stunning tropical shell display on a handmade glossy black stand with a brass plaque engraved with the Latin name for the species that called this shell its home.

The Melo melo, commonly known as the Indian volute, is a large marine gastropod mollusk belonging to the family Volutidae. Its impressive size and distinctive features have made it a subject of interest among marine enthusiasts and collectors.

Physical Description
The shell of the Melo melo often reaches lengths of up to 275 mm (10.83 inches), with some specimens growing even larger. It possesses a bulbous, nearly oval shape with a smooth exterior surface. The coloration ranges from pale orange to beige, occasionally exhibiting irregular brown banding. The interior is glossy cream, transitioning to a light yellow near the margin. Notably, the shell lacks an operculum and features a wide aperture that extends nearly the entire length of the shell. The spire is completely enclosed by the inflated body whorl, giving it a rounded shoulder without spines.

Habitat and Distribution
Melo melo is native to the shallow coastal waters of Southeast Asia, including regions from Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia to the South China Sea and the Philippines.

Approximate Dimensions (including stand)
Height: 9.5" I 24 cm
Width: 4.0" I 10 cm

PLEASE NOTE:
These are natural shells of which no two are exactly alike. Shells may vary slightly from the photos in color and size.