There's one on Ebay, just do a search. This is an endemic Japonic species and next to impossible for the average collector to obtain unless you know someone in Japan who's "in the know". It's currently illegal to use scuba or hookah to commercially collect Haliotis there so the occasional free- diving pearl divers get them once in awhile for the sushi bar trade. Afterwards the shell is highly regarded by stores and temples to throw salt for purification purposes to chase away evil spirits. In recent years this species has been becoming extremely scarce. Fewer and fewer shells are turning up and the once huge 7inchers are a size of the past. Chris ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------