Sinum perspectivum
This very white gastropod is a member of the Moon Snail Family. Its small (1 to 1 ½”), flattened shell has broad spiral grooves. The live animal’s body can completely envelop its shell and cannot be fully withdrawn.
To help with burrowing, the White Baby’s Ear produces copious amounts of slimy mucus. Despite its delicate appearance, this snail is carnivorous, using its foot to chase down bivalves in soft sediments. It then consumes its prey by softening the shell with the use of acid secretions, then drilling through the shell with a rasping radula (small teeth). A proboscis is then inserted to suck up the dinner.
Live shells should never be taken from any Florida State Park.