Description:
Tulip snails, Fasciolaria tulipa, also known as true tulips, reach approximately 9 inches in length.  The shell is a deep red-brown, brown, yellow-orange or gray-green color. There are generally many fine lines that spiral around the shell.  Whorls are convex in shape and have a shallow groove below the suture line.  The aperture is ovate in shape with a long, slightly twisted siphonal canal.  The body is bright red, and the muscular foot is black flecked with white.

Habitat:
Tulip snails inhabit shallow intertidal and subtidal areas to a depth of 30 feet.  They are common in seagrass beds, particularly those composed of turtlegrass (Thalassia testudinum).  Other habitats include oyster reefs, sand and mud bottoms. 
 

Range:  
Tulip snails range from North Carolina south through Florida, Texas, the Caribbean and West Indies to Brazil.