Fasciolaria tulipa
These gastropods are slow, aggressive predators feeding on clams and other snails including their own species. Using its radula, a “toothed” tongue, coated in an acidic solution, it bores a hole through the shell of its victim. The tongue is then inserted to devour the soft contents.
Tulips are edible and reported to taste like conch.
To attract females the tulip male ejects water that sets up vibrations felt by potential mates. The female lays oviger (egg) capsules attaching them to rock or other hard surfaces. Most of these ovigers are unfertilized. During the next month the normal developing snails feed on the non-developing unfertilized eggs within their capsule.
The Banded Tulip’s fine dark rings distinguishes it from the related True Tulip’s dark brown and more mottled shell. The Banded Tulip grows to three inches long and lives in water 2 to 150 feet deep. The True Tulip grows to nine inches and lives in water to 30 feet.
Live shells should never be taken from any Florida State Park.