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Conus stratus
Early in September, Mr. Phillip Clover and his family stopped over briefly in Honolulu on their way for reassignment on the
U.S. mainland. Fortunately Mr. Clover had in his possession the photographs you see reproduced above. Here is the story
concerning these two shells with a brief description of the unidentified species.
Some native fishermen caught several "groupers" while fishing with hand lines in 60 feet of water somewhere in the Sulu Sea.
While cleaning these fish, two live-looking cowries were discovered among the stomach contents. Eventually those two shells
came into the possession of a Mr. Porter who was able to identify one of them (Figs. 1-3) as C. leucodon, a "lost species"
considered to be one of the world's rarest and most valuable shells. For almost one hundred years no new specimens of
leucodon have been added to collections. It is reported that Mr. Porter has already turned down one offer of $1,500.00 for
the leucodon.
The other shell (Figs. 4-6), which still remains unidentified, somewhat resembles Cypraea pantherina in dorsal coloration but
otherwise appears to be a new species. Here is a brief description of this specimen: Length 46 mm. Number of labial teeth,
30; number of columellar teeth, 29, (terminal ridge and posterior crenulations excluded). Base bent upwards on the sides,
aperture narrow, teeth fine, shell heavy. Dorsum flesh colored with brown dots and larger chestnut spots near sides. Base
yellow, teeth white, anterior and posterior extremities orange. Base convex. Margin of shell heavily calloused and bumpy.
It is hoped that some "eager-beaver" conchologist will not hurriedly publish a description of this species in order to
immortalize himself as the shells' author. More specimens are needed for study before such action is taken.
Off shore from Makua valley underwater activity has, in the past, far exceeded that presently found on shore for the filming
of the motion picture Philippines. At least it would appear to have from the number and species of shells reported collected
in this area. The impressive list of shells, many of them considered rare, starts with a 4-1/2" specimen of Charonia
tritonis. In the Conus seven species have been reported; capitaneus, obscurus, leopardus, lividus, bandanus, pertusus, and
striatus. Several specimens of Cypraea arenosa [schilderorum], chinensis, gaskoini, granulata, isabella, rashleighana,
scurra, sulcidentata, and tessellata have been reported, to mention only the more rare or uncommon species. I have collected
fimbriata, poraria, teres, schilderorum, and helvola. Mitra incompta, Murex pele, Nasarrius papillosus, Peristernia thaanumi,
Strombus dentatus, and hawaiensis. Terebra lanceata and pertusa, have all been reported in previous years. In addition,
hundreds of other shells have been collected in more recent times. One [of the] really rare shells, for Philippine waters,
collected in this area was Murex elongatus.
Farther down the coast at Pokai Bay many shells have been collected but only a few species reported in writing to the Shell
News. Conus leopardus seems to be quite common in the area, as does Cypraea mauritiana. Murex pele is also found occasionally
both in deep water and washed up on the beach. Cypraea talpa and tigris have both been reported from Pokai Bay.
In this same general area at Waianae reef diving at night during low tides, has produced some excellent shelling. Those
reported and published previously in the Sean Raynon Sabado were Conus pertusus, retifer and textile. Cypraea semiplota,
Modulus tectum, Thais aperta, and Turbo intercostalis were also reported. In more recent verbal reports nearly all Cypraea
have been reported from this area, as have Murex insularum, most Mitra and Terebra species, Cassis cornuta, and Harpa
conoidalis.
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