I think the color of the animal is cream colored not black.  See the
living picture in "Florida Fabulous Seashells"  I found this shell at
Tarpon Springs.  I knew this colony lived up there, but had never taken
a picture of one before.  Winston Williams liked the picture of the
Busycon with its probosis out.  We call it contrarium in the book.

Bob

Peggy Williams wrote:
>
> >What you have is Busycon aspinosum Hollister 1958
>
> I also find this at one spot in Sarasota Bay.
>
> Peggy
>
>                      Visit my website at http://www.shelltrips.com
>                                   Peggy Williams
>                                    Shell Elegant
>                                     PO Box 575
>                                 Tallevast FL 34270
>                                    (941) 355-2291
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