Two Giant Shells. Syrinx aruanus (Australian Trumpet Snail), Melo amphora (Giant Baler Snail). Philippines

Trumpet measures 22 x 10 ¼ x 12in; Baler measures 17 x 11 x 9 ¼in - Sold for $840

Note : The Australian Trumpet Snail is the world’s largest univalve gastropod. It is a predatory snail living in the shallow waters of North Australia in depths that range from intertidal to as deep as 10 meters. The Giant Baler, also one of the largest predatory snails, is found in Western Australia, Queensland and New Guinea in depths ranging from intertidal to 25 meters. The present two specimens, close to the maximum size for their species, are superbly decorative. (Copyright © 2002-2008 Bonhams 1793 Ltd., Images and Text All Rights Reserved)

Bonhams. Natural History, 22 Jun 2008. 220 San Bruno Street, San Francisco // 7601 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles - www.bonhams.com