Mote Marine Aquarium is building a "Mollusk Hall" which will be opened later
this year (April is the target but unrealistic, I think). One of the
exhibits being considered is of giant clams, and they need to know how old
these shells get. To contrast age (assuming giant clams get very old) they
want to know another (preferably local) shell with a short life span. I
suggested the local "Bay Scallop". If anyone can give me this info I'll
pass it on.

Also, who gave that wonderful talk at COA about aging shells? Perhaps he
could  help with this exhibit.

The genesis of the mollusk hall idea came when Mote acquired a giant squid,
which will be the centerpiece of the exhibit. A special tank is being built
to show it off. There will also be exhibits of live octopus, cuttlefish, and
local shellfish, with perhaps giant clams in the future. The Sarasota Shell
Club will be maintaining two display cases of shells which we hope to change
two or three times a year.

Mote Aquarium is a beautiful facility, very sophisticated in its exhibits
and well maintained. There is already a "grass flat" exhibit which includes
many live mollusks, including several large Cypraea and a Cassis
madagascariensis which has lived there several years, touring the tank from
time to time for fresh sea urchins. I expect this new major exhibit will  be
a great one as well.

Peggy Williams
                     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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