Why Shells Collecting ?

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  Mollusks are soft bodies animal that are gifted with nature to build protective calcium carbonate shell out side there body.A mollusks or mollusc is any member of the large phylum Mollusca of invertebrate animals. they can be rage in size from very tiny to largest up to 3 ft.  since ancient times it's always delight all of us from Their bright colors, curious shapes, and amazing patterns. And also this make them among the most fascinating of nature's creations. The universal appeal (Sea, Fresh water & Land) of shells is due to their tactile qualities as much as their inner & outer beauty. While some shells are fragile and easily broken, many are solid and pleasant to hold.   Around 85,000 extant species of molluscs are recognized. The number of fossil species is estimated between 60,000 and 100,000 species.It's a largest marine phylum, comprising about 23% of all the named marine organisms. Numerous molluscs also live in freshwater and Land. The phylum is typically divided into 9 or 10 taxonomic classes, of which two are entirely extinct. Cephalopod molluscs, such as squid, cuttlefish and octopus, are among the most neurologically advanced of all invertebrates—and either the giant squid or the colossal squid is the largest known invertebrate species. The gastropods (snails and slugs) are by far the most numerous molluscs in terms of classified species, and account for 80% of the total.  

 1) Self Pickup :- U collecting/pickup them up from natural habitats i.e. sea, land & Fresh water, it's most enjoyable & adventure activity & may also be cheapest.
2) Exchange :- by exchange with other hobbyist/collectors, before this U must have to make personal collection for exchange.
3) Purchase :- purchasing different verities from dealers. But some time it's become costliest way.

            Collecting Seashell on seashore is most enjoyable & instructive alternative for the conservation-conscious collector it is the ideal way because it does not interfere with the natural habitat. we find lying on the beach, especially those wrenched from offshore habitats by storms, are often well preserved and very suitable for a collection. With a minimum of effort it is possible to make a large and varied exhibition of such "beached" shells. Other ways to collect shells, such as picking them off rocks or diving to collect them from the depths of the ocean, ultimately involve removing the animals within, but it may consider objectionable. However, these alternative methods bring you into closer contact with the living occupants of shells with the real habitats. 

         But it always advisable to never collect live shells from their real habitats because after some more effort dead Shells can Easily found in same verities without effecting nature. And always go with Species verity not with quantity of  spices. Before you collect any live specimens, always make sure you are not disobeying local conservation regulations. At some places you may need a   special permit to collect or purchase some species. 

 About 600 species/verities are illustrated in our personal collection filed guide as can be download from below download tab, by which you can help for identification Or in second preference different books & Websites as shown below  are also useful. At Starting it's advisable to go only up to Family or Genus level Short listing & Identification, once you get more familiar with it. Than after you can go further for Species level Identification. After identification make one register for record. and make marking or numbering on shell or container with unique identification for easy record keeping.