Hi, Bob and The Rest!
I have seen this happen with all of the pictures of these cowries on eBay. I think the dorsal view is taken with the shell tilted, so that the shell appears rounder and more inflated. But you can't do this very well with the other view. I have become very wary of shells on eBay and have also found that often the best offerings come from the obscure seller than the big so-called dealers, especially the Philippine ones.
It's too bad you can't come to the COA convention and pick one out "by hand," as I gather you are not able to attend this year (it is a long way for you to travel).
Cheers!
Linda
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs
To leave this list, click on the following web link:
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1
Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and
click leave the list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------