Hi, This last year a growing number of shells coming from China have become available to us. I believe that our Chinese friends-shellcollectors have finally found their way to the internet, shelldealers and eBay, which is an enrichment for our small shellcommunity. I find that some of the offered species like H.hirasei, C. cnissodus, C. superbus, etc.. are a bit different from the specimens we usually get from the PI or Japan. These Chinese specimens are heavier and more knobby (hirasei), have more "branches" or are often distorted (cnissodus) or are slightly broader & compact (superbus). I wonder if this has to do with their habitat. Would like to hear your observations about this matter. Would also like to know which fishinggrounds are covered by the Chinese fishermen operating in the South China Sea, as accurate data is unavailable. Regards and Merry X-mas to you all, Eddy WILMET www.euromurex.be ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------