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helmet shell
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King helmet shell (Cassis tuberosa)
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King helmet shell (Cassis tuberosa)
King helmet shell (Cassis tuberosa)

helmet shell

gastropod family
Also known as: Cassid, Cassidae
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History

helmet shell, any marine snail of the family Cassidae (subclass Prosobranchia, class Gastropoda), characterized by a large, thick shell with a shieldlike inner lip. An example is the 18-centimetre (7-inch) king helmet (Cassis tuberosa) of the Caribbean.

Cameos are carved from helmet shells. Smaller, more rounded cassids (Phalium) are called bonnet shells.