A must-visit place in Panglao Island, Bohol is the Nova Shell Museum in Poblacion, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines. I had the chance to stop by this information-rich and educational place on a recent trip to Bohol with my brother and some relatives. The shell museum is part of the package for most Panglao Island land tours.
Interesting Facts
Poisonous Shells
One of the new things I learned during the visit is that cone-shaped shells or those that belong to the conidae family are poisonous. One should avoid getting stung by these shells.
Smallest Shells
One of the world's smallest shells, the Rotavula Hirohitui, is on display at Nova Shell Museum. It was so tiny that when the guide was talking about it, I mistook a bigger shell to be the one she was talking about. I had to use a magnifying glass to take a closer look. According to the museum guide, this species used to be abundant in Pamilacan Island and Balicasag Island and gathering them used to be a livelihood for residents of the islands as it can fetch up to USD 1,000 per specimen. Lately however, this kind of shell have become rare in those islands thanks to human invasion of their natural habitat and over-poaching.
Fastest Swimming Shell
The nautilus is the fastest swimming shell and inspired the design of the world's first practical submarine also named the Nautilus. The submarine was created by American inventor Robert Fulton between 1793 and 1797. It was first tested in the year 1800.
Scallops are Colorful
We are all used to seeing scallops with white shells. Especially when we enjoy them as baked treats on our dinner tables. But these bivalves are actually more colorful than we thought. It can come in shades of orange, purple, pink, and yellow.
Location
The Nova Shell Museum is located at Bon Perfecto Street, Poblacion, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines.
Contact Information
Mobile Number: 0910 717 9529
I had always been fascinated by shells. And it is just so sad to note that most of them are fast disappearing due to human intervention. If only I had the means to put a stop on it, I would. :( The nautilus shell is one of the most precious shell and an indication of a high biodiversity. It is just sad to note that the nautilus shell is nearing its extinction. Hopefully, people will realize that the shells specially bivalves also act as natural filters to keep our oceans clean.
It's sad how progress & development in the PI is twisted as it destroys ecosystems in favor of facilities for humans