Melo amphora, common name the Diadem volute, is a very large sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Volutidae The maximum shell length of this species is up to 500 mm, usually around 300 mm. This large shell has a bulbous or nearly oval outline. Its columella has three easily distinguishable oblique folds. The aperture is wide and near as long as the shell itself, and there is no operculum. It has a very large, inflated and posteriorly expanded body whorl. One of its most striking characteristics is the shoulder with prominent and curved hollow spines. These spines tend to become obsolete in later stages of growth.[1] The spire is usually very short. The color of the Melo amphora shell is said to be highly variable. It is commonly mainly coloured brown, white, or pale orange. It usually pre8ents spiral darker brown banding. The interior is glazed and is commonly coloured cream or pinky orange. This large sea snail is known to live in littoral and shallow sublittoral zones. It usually dwells in muddy bottoms at a maximum depth of nearly 10 m. APPROXIMATE DIMENSIONS including stand Height: 44 cm Width: 14 cm NOTE: - One or more images provide a styled representation of a similar item. For exact details of the item for sale, please refer to the other images. No items in the styled photo are included in the sale. - Please be aware these pictures have been taken in a dark studio, colors may vary depending on the environment. - THE WEIGHT MENTIONED IS INCLUDING PACKING MATERIAL DISCLAIMER -Please check with your local regulations and authorities if it is allowed to bring this item into your country, prior to bidding. -It's a natural product, small cracks or flaws can happen. Please refer to the pictures. THE SHIPPING - Due to the upcoming holiday season, your parcel might arrive a bit later. Thank you for understanding. - The item will be sent with a Track & Trace code via DHL Parcel, DPD or postNl. The tracking will be updated in your Catawiki lot once your parcel has been dropped off. - Please check regularly to avoid your parcel being returned to us, in which case the buyer will be responsible for the shipping costs of the 2nd shipment. - For tracking to Spain and Portugal please use this link and add the tracking number from your Catawiki lot https://clientesparcel.dhl.es/LiveTracking/Home - WE DO NOT COMBINE SHIPPING!!! - If you have any questions about your parcel, please contact us using the Catawiki message service. We will try to reply within 3 working days.