King and Emperor Helmet Snail

Cassis tuberosa, Cassis madagascariensis

The large Emperor/Queen Helmet snails frequent the shallow sea grass bays and areas of dead coral and coral rubble. They have rainbow colored shells when not covered with algae and other organisms. Sometimes you will see just the tops of the shells  because they bury themselves in the sea bed. The growth pattern on the rear end of the shell is different for every snail making them easy to identify. The King Helmet's shell's outer lip has 3 dark brown triangular bars, the Emperor/Queen Helmet's shell does not.

Helmet Snail - Cassis madagascariensis
Helmet Snail - Cassis madagascariensis
Helmet Snail - Cassis madagascariensis
Helmet Snail - Cassis madagascariensis
A magnificent specimen.
Helmet Snail - Cassis madagascariensis
Helmet Snail - Cassis madagascariensis
Helmet Snail - Cassis madagascariensis
In about 2 feet of water.
Helmet Snail - Cassis madagascariensis
King Helmet Snail Taken underwater - an animal w/ 8 inch shell. 
Helmet Snail - Cassis madagascariensis
Helmet Snail - Cassis madagascariensis
Helmet Snail - Cassis madagascariensis
Helmet Snail - Cassis madagascariensis.
Helmet Snail - Cassis madagascariensis
Helmet Snail - Cassis tuberosa, Cassis madagascariensis
Helmet Snail - Cassis tuberosa, Cassis madagascariensis
Helmet Snail - Cassis tuberosa, Cassis madagascariensis
Helmet Snail - Cassis madagascariensis
Helmet Snail - Cassis madagascariensis
King Helmet 
Helmet Snail - Cassis madagascariensis
Helmet Snail - Cassis tuberosa, Cassis madagascariensis
The smaller King Helmet-shell only about 4 inches.

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