Coquina Shells AKA Butterflies!

Coquina shells can be found all across Florida! We typically find them along the shorelines near the surf and wrack lines. The amount of colors and patterns are endless and you can find them individually or with the bivalve still in tact.

Coquina shells are the shells of small, edible bivalves (clams) called Donax variabilis. These clams are common along the Atlantic coast of North America, particularly in Florida, but they also inhabit beaches from New York to Texas and through the Gulf of Mexico. Coquina clams are known for their vibrant, colorful shells, often with bands of pink, yellow, white, and other hues. They are filter feeders, playing an important role in the beach ecosystem by cleaning the water and serving as a food source for shorebirds and other marine life. 

Here's a more detailed look at coquina shells:

Appearance and Characteristics:

• Shell Shape:

  Wedge-shaped, typically less than 1 inch in length. 

• Color:

  Varied and often brightly colored with bands of pink, yellow, white, blue, violet, red, orange, brown, and other shades. 

• Habitat:

  Primarily found on sandy beaches in the intertidal zone, meaning they live where the tide goes in and out. 

• Behavior:

  Active clams that burrow in the sand and can move up and down the beach with the tide. 

• Filter Feeders:

  They use siphons to draw in and filter seawater, extracting plankton, algae, and other small organisms. 

Historical and Cultural Significance:

• Building Material: In the past, coquina shells, when cemented together, were used as a building material, particularly in Florida. 

• Food: While not a common food source today, coquina clams are edible and were historically consumed by Native Americans and other cultures. 

• Crafts: The colorful shells are also collected and used for many various crafts. 

In summary, coquina shells are small, colorful, and ecologically important bivalves that play a vital role in the beach ecosystem. They are also of historical and cultural significance, having been used as a building material and a food source in the past.