Description:
The common Atlantic bubble, Bulla striata umbilicata (formerly called Bulla umbilicata) is a small snail that reaches 0.5 - 1.2 inches in length.  Shells are moderately thick and nearly oval in shape.  Base color is white to tan, with mottled brown, pink, or red spots and streaks.  The spire is sunken and grooved along the side walls.  The body whorl is glossy and smooth, except for 8 or more fine lines that are etched into the shell base from the columella, across the body whorl, to the outer lip.  These lines are not always as apparent as they are in the photos above.  Shell aperture is narrow at the apex, but widens to merge with the columella, which is turned backwards over the shell base.

Habitat:
Atlantic bubbles are common near the low tide line in muddy and sandy substrates.

Similar Species:
There are many species of snails commonly referred to as bubble shells that inhabit the Indian River Lagoon.  However, none of these have the sunken spire and distinctive aperture shape found in the common Atlantic bubble.

Range:  
Common Atlantic bubbles range from Bermuda to Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and south to Brazil.