Nope, it just isn't common in the areas where most of the collecting
is being done.  It's more common in the central Pacific than the
western Pacific, although I've seen several on eBay recently that
were supposed to be from the Philippines.  I think 70 to 80 feet
is supposed to be S. thersites depth in Tonga, but Tongan depths
aren't even the same as Samoan depths, so it might be significantly
different in other places.  I have one from Tonga that I collected
at snorkeling depth, too, and a dead one from about 80 feet.
Charles Cardin told me they were usually only found at scuba
depth there.


----- Original Message -----
From: "J. Ross Mayhew" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, September 17, 2006 11:13 PM
Subject: Why is Strombus thersites so rare?


> I've been trying to find a nice Strombus thersites for the longest time
> now..... with no luck!!  Am wondering............... why it is so rare?
> Is it found in deeper water than other Strombus? Does it have a very
> restricted habitat? Is it normally particularly well camoflaged? Does it
> hide in the daytime?  I am getting curious about this elusive species.
>
> From Late, lovely summer in Jolly Olde New Scotland,
> ross mayhew.
>
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