Stiff Penshell

1. Stiff Penshell Retracting

1. Stiff Penshell Retracting

Photo 1 of 2: This is the first photo in the sequence of a Stiff Penshell retracting. The shell is very thin and see-through, In this photo the soft body is clearly visible.

Name: Stiff Penshell
Scientific Name: Atrina rigida
Family: Pen Shells
Taxonomic: Pinnidae
ID Group: Snails, Clams & Shells
Size: up to 11 in.
Depth Range: On the reef (10 – 60 ft.)
Sightings: Seen sometimes

This fan-shaped Pen Shell has 25 raised ribs with tube-like spines. Its color ranges from dark to light brown.

The Stiff Penshell partly buries itself with its narrow tip hidden in sand or coral crevices.