Hi  Linda

I've seen lots of white costatus. Normal color is tan back with white
lip and interior, but they also come (rarely) in lavender, yellow and
red. Common in the Gulf of Mexico at 50 feet or more are bright red-tan
backs with pink on the face and white lip.

They can also fade from tan to white. Shells that have been buried in
sand after death are usually white.

Peggy

> A simple question - I gather that all white Strombus
> costatus are a common variation, rather than being
> albinistic.  I have one I'm preparing for the auction and
> need to know how uncommon it is.
>
> Thanks,
> Linda - brewing a pot of coffee
>
>
           Peggy Williams: shell collecting trips
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