Two Vase Shells of the Vasidae Family can be found in this website:

Phylogeny: Vase Shells of the Vasidae Family are gastropod mollusks in the Neogastropoda order. Neogastropods are characterized by having a long siphonal canal, a well developed siphonal notch,  and a specialized radula. Many species in this order have a narrow aperture. Neogastropods are primarily marine snails. The Vasidae Family is one of six families in the Superfamily Turbinelloidea, which also includes the Dove Shells, Chank Shells, and Volute Shells.  The Vasidae Family is fairly small, with no subfamilies, nine genera, and thirty-six species. Shells in this family are also commonly called Vasids. Until 2024 this family was considered a subfamily of the Turbinellidae family. Because most sources are somewhat dated, it is difficult to find valid information relative to this family.

Description: Vase Shells are heavy, solid, and very diverse in shape and sculpture. Most are medium to large in size. They may be conical, turbinate, or fusiform (spindle-shaped). They have a large body whorl and a short to moderate spire. The exterior may be smooth or ornately sculpted. They may have spiral, axial, or cancellate (crisscross) sculpting. They may be marked with cords, ribs, knobs or spines. All have long apertures, usually as long as the body whorl or longer. The outer lip is often flared and may be straight or reflect the exterior sculpting. The outer lip may have a smooth interior or be marked with ridges or teeth.  The columella is sculpted with prominent folds. Some species have very long siphonal canals, while others have only a siphonal notch. Most display an obvious posterior canal or notch. Most shells in this family are rather drably colored, but some display striking color patterns. The interior is smooth to porcelaneous, and usually white. They have thick, corneous, claw-like operculum and a heavy periostracum.  The largest species in this family reach around 18 cm (7 inches) in length. Some sources extend this size to 22.5 cm (8.9 inches).

Habitat and Distribution: Vase Shells are found on soft substrates, often on sand between rocks. They live in the intertidal zone, and at depths up to 215 m (700 feet). They are found worldwide in tropical to subtropical seas.   At least two species from this family are found in Mexican waters.

Natural History: Vase Shells are aggressive predators that feed on bivalves and worms. They use their operculum and large foot to grab and envelope their prey. They are gonochoric and  reproduce sexually with internal fertilization. The eggs are laid in protective capsules. Shells in this family are sometimes harvested for fish bait, lime production, and shell crafts.