Marlinspikes

Marlin Spike is an auger shell belonging to the family Terebridae; species Terebra Maculata. They are heavy, glossy with a broad body whorl(complete turn of the shells imaginary axis). Young shells have weak vertical ridges; while older species become smooth. There color is cream with interrupted spiral bands of brown. The shell has been used as a boring instrument by coastal tribes. Marlin Spikes are found in shallow water, across the Indo-Pacific tropics from the Indian Ocean east to just south of the Japanese Sea to the northern Australian/New Zealand shores.