I found several hand-size shells on a Baja beach last winter, and learned they’re called pen shells. I would have named the translucent beauties fan shells, since they look like fluted fans decorated ...

It's bendy but brittle, visible but hidden, a silk weaver capable of producing a rare black pearl. Though this cross-trained mollusk sounds like some exotic gem of far-off shores, it's actually quite ...

The Noble Pen Shell, part of the Pinnidae family, is found in the Mediterranean Sea and is the largest of all pen shells, reaching up to 4 feet in size. This shell is known for its beautiful copper ...

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A fan mussel found only in the Mediterranean was officially added to the list of critically endangered species, after scientists recorded a dramatic decline in its population ...

This week’s low midafternoon tides provided excellent beachcombing conditions around lunchtime. I found a variety of treasures, including pen shells, pear whelks, and hundreds of Atlantic cockles.

Note to readers: This is Part 5 in a five-part series. The News-Press and Naples Daily News recently met with Jose H. Leal at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel. Leal is ...