> I recently purchased a Strombus alatus with a tiger stripe pattern > and I was wondering if this is a common variation. It is kind of a > ratty shell with a mean scar near the aperture -- maybe the recovery > from that injury had something to do with the pattern? Tom, I have collected and seen perhaps a dozen S. alatus with a zigzag pattern. They have probably gotten fairly rare because people usually keep unusual shells. I have also seen S. alatus create this pattern after an injury but it turns back into its standard color soon after. I agree with Phyllis. I have seen some unusual pugilis / alatus hybrid looking shells at Peanut Island. Andrew