Please note this is a live marine specimen.
The Northern Lamp Shell (Terebratulina septentrionalis) is a rare and fascinating brachiopod found clinging to the rocky crevices and shaded caves of Maine’s intertidal zone. Often mistaken for small clams, these ancient marine animals are part of a group that has existed for over 500 million years. Their smooth, yellow-white shells and distinct pedicle attachment make them excellent subjects for evolutionary biology, marine anatomy, and classroom study.
Collected sustainably by hand along the Gulf of Maine, each specimen provides a glimpse into one of the ocean’s most enduring lineages.
Common name: Northern lamp shell
Scientific name: Terebratulina septentrionalis
Locations: On intertidal rocks, crevices, and caves
Seasonality: Available all year
Colors: White, yellow-white
Size: 1¼”
Collected: By hand
Quantity: Sold by the each (bulk lots of 50–100 available upon request)
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com.
Please note this is a live marine specimen.
The Northern Lamp Shell (Terebratulina septentrionalis) is a rare and fascinating brachiopod found clinging to the rocky crevices and shaded caves of Maine’s intertidal zone. Often mistaken for small clams, these ancient marine animals are part of a group that has existed for over 500 million years. Their smooth, yellow-white shells and distinct pedicle attachment make them excellent subjects for evolutionary biology, marine anatomy, and classroom study.
Collected sustainably by hand along the Gulf of Maine, each specimen provides a glimpse into one of the ocean’s most enduring lineages.
Common name: Northern lamp shell
Scientific name: Terebratulina septentrionalis
Locations: On intertidal rocks, crevices, and caves
Seasonality: Available all year
Colors: White, yellow-white
Size: 1¼”
Collected: By hand
Quantity: Sold by the each (bulk lots of 50–100 available upon request)
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com.
Learn about this unique sea specimen - the Northern Lampshell - just collected by Tidepool Tim as he explores their features and life habits!
Tidepool Tim says, “Lamp shells got their name because they look like a Roman lamp! At first glance, these creatures appear to be molluscs. In fact, the Northern lamp shell and other brachiopods are connected dorsally and ventrally - not laterally like molluscs.”
