20-30m deep, on rocks, Puerto Santo Tomas, Baja California, W. Mexico. 130mm.
Close to H. kamtschatkana Jonas, but is more rounded, heavier, and larger.
Close to H. kamtschatkana Jonas, but is more rounded, heavier, and larger.
H. assimilis has strong spiral cords. Colour variable; often, the shell has the same green, red and white
than H. kamtschatkana s.s, with which its intergrades along central California. Banded patterns exist also.
than H. kamtschatkana s.s, with which its intergrades along central California. Banded patterns exist also.
SW. California, 128mm. Diet variations can affect colour, and H. assimilis easily hybridizes with close species.
But two features that remain constant are the spiral cording, and the lagoon reflections of the nacre.
But two features that remain constant are the spiral cording, and the lagoon reflections of the nacre.
Same remarks with this specimen, collected on rocks by scuba, San Diego county, California. 152mm.
A large shell, heavy, closer to true assimilis than the one above. Notice the flat cording.
A large shell, heavy, closer to true assimilis than the one above. Notice the flat cording.
Above and below: 20-30m deep, on rocks, near Santo Tomas, western Baja california. 105mm.
Specimens with one colour are uncommon.
5-25m deep, Ensenada, Baja California, W. mexico. 95-127mm.
Original pictures © R. Kershaw.
Original pictures © R. Kershaw.
Same spot, 83mm. Banded shells are much sought after.
Original picture © R. Kershaw.
Original picture © R. Kershaw.