Home > Invertebrates > Shells > Worm Shells > Eualetes tulipa

Updated 8/25/2025

Family Vermetidae

CIRCUMTROPICAL / HAWAII

Eualetes tulipa

Ft. Kamehemeha, Oahu, 2 feet

 

Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, 4 feet


Maunalua Beach Park, Oahu, 3 feet

TULIP WORM SHELL

Common on manmade surfaces or mangrove roots in protected bays. Gray shell with fine ribs, purple animal has a large operculum.  Aperture diameter of 0.3 inch, 7mm, coils 2 inches, 50 mm.  Native to the Pacific coast of Panama, accidentally introduced to Hawaii via shipping activity, and given the old name Vermetus alii.  It has become established at other localities.