James,
I agree with Tom's identification. I have some rather bizzare looking
specimens created by Bryzoan colonies encasing the shell. I have collected
several live specimens of Kellettia kelletii and Bursa californica that had
pretty heavy and wild shaped Bryozoan colonies totally distorting the
original shell profile. I have seen this often in Southern California waters
with these as well as other species.
All the best,
Paul Kanner
----- Original Message -----
From: "Thomas E. Eichhorst" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2000 12:18 AM
Subject: Re: Help with old shell


> James,
>
> That doesn't look like a fossil but rather like a "non-shell" created by a
> bryozoan colony.  These start on a gastropod shell and are usually
inhabited
> by a hermit crab.  See page 378 of the Compendium.  This one is more
> intricate than most I have seen, but I assume the shape is greatly
> influenced by the original shell that is used.  Looks pretty cool.
>
> Tom