Register a seashell size record

The time to register a seashell size record is when you have a verified specimen that exceeds the standing record for its species by a defined minimum margin.

WRS-Shells (the Registry of World Record Size Shells) is the official publication for these records in the conchology community.

Here are the key criteria that would prompt you to register a record:

• 1 - You Have Exceeded the Standing Record

  You should consider registering your shell if its maximum dimension is greater than the current world record size for that specific family, genus and species.

  The Registry of World Record Size Shells typically requires a new record to exceed the standing record by at least 0.3 mm (millimetres). This margin accounts for slight human error and environmental effects during measurement. If your shell merely ties the record, it is usually kept on file but not published as the official new record.

• 2 - You Have an Adult Specimen for a Minimum Size Record

  The Registry also tracks the smallest adult size for certain popular species. You may register a record if you have a verified, fully adult specimen that is smaller than the current minimum adult size on record.

• 3 - You Have a New or Unique Variation
  In some cases, records are kept for unique variations of a species, such as:
  • shells of a species that is typically dextral (right-handed),
  • Shells with obvious features like rostrate (beaked) cowries.
• Measurement and Verification Requirements
  To have your record accepted, you must follow strict scientific measurement rules:
  • Measurement Tool: Use vernier type calipers (or a digital caliper) for precision,
  • Dimension Measured: The shell must be measured to its greatest measurable dimension in any direction. This must include any hard shell material produced by the animal, such as spines, wings, or siphonal canals,
  • Exclusions: Do not include soft material like periostracum (hair-like outer layer) or encrusting organisms like barnacles or algae in the measurement,
  • Precision: The size must be recorded in millimetres (mm) to the nearest 0.1 mm,
  • Data required: You must document the specimen with its
    • Recognized scientific name,
    • Exact size measurement,
    • Location (where it was collected),
    • Date it was collected or acquired,
    • Current owner or repository.

If you believe you have a potential record, you would typically register on wrs-shells.com and follow the submission process.