A NOT SO SIMPLE SHELL FROM THE ANTARCTIC. The Natans is a shell that is occasionally seen in underwater photos from the southern tip of the South American continent or from the Antarctic. The species loves crystal-clear water and lives in ice-cold environments, occasionally under the ice shelf. The Natans has been appearing in collections in drops for about 3 decades: previously it was incredibly difficult to obtain and only experts knew of its existence. This is a gray-white and a very black specimen. The black specimen is more or less the norm: the pale one is unusual and the first one I've seen as such. The species is strictly controlled in southern Argentina and southern Chile. It is always a problem for the collectors where they can get new material. The area where the mussels live is remote, the legislation is difficult to know in advance and the time when mussels are available is very limited. Fantastic duo. Fine as always, gem is virtually impossible in the natans.
Cream = 89.6 mm, Black = 80 mm.
Chile. XII Region. South of Magallanes Strait. Bahia Parry. Taken by diver. 10-15 m. 4-12 February 2016.
#1174067
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