Panama Harp, Harpa crenatra

Panama Harp, Harpa crenata. Size: 7.8 cm (3.1 inches) x 4.6 cm (1.8 inches).

The Panama Harp, Harpa crenata (Swainson, 1822), is a member of the Harpidae Family of Harp Shells. They have a short, but pointed spire, with flattened axial ribs that often extend as short spines at the shoulder, and onto to spire. The exterior of the shells are mottled beige, gray or tan with lavender or dark brown chevrons and blotches. The Panama Harp Shells reach a maximum length of 10.0 cm (3.9 inches).

Panama Harps live on and within sand substrate at depths between 35 and 200 feet. They are found from Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur along the southern west coast of Baja, from Loreto to Cabo San Lucas along the east coast of Baja in the Sea of Cortez, and south to Peru.