John,

I think you gave the person the best pair of look-a-likes for her initial
mis-identification possible.  I had never thought of confusing Astraea
phoebia with a Xenophora but now that I look at them both I can easily see
how someone new to the hobby could mix them up.  As for the X. crispa, a
small X. conchyliophora could easily be taken that.  We all know the family
can be a tough one where identification is concerned.  Sounds like she needs
a good general shell identification book.

Tom Eichhorst in New Mexico, USA


> I just received a message from a person, that has just started collecting
> shells and live in the Bahamas.  My question is: Has any of you ever found
> Xenophora crispa or  Stellaria solaris there?  My answer to her was the
> shells likely would be Xenophora conchyliophora, and Astraea  phoebia, she
> is waiting for an answer.  John Bernard  Crossville, Tennessee
>