Identification of shells and other skeletal remains (subfossils) of marine creatures from the upper reef layer in core samples taken in Kawai Nui Marsh gives insight into the nature of the environment that existed in this place some 5,000 years ago. Shown here are the more common shells encountered, which are species still found on living Hawaiian reefs. The brief description given below relates where (what kind of environment) each might be found today. Note that these pictures do not show the skeletal pieces at natural size. Smaller shells are usually magnified and larger pieces may be reduced. A scale bar of 1 cm (0.39 in) is provided for each photograph. Mollusca identified by Regina Kawamoto. Photographs by Eric Guinther. GASTROPODS (SNAILS) ~ BIVALVES (CLAMS, MUSSELS) ~ OTHER
	MOLLUSCA, GASTROPODA (snails)
		Top shells (Trochus intextus) are found in shallow, sandy areas with scattered rocks such as occur in Kane`ohe Bay.
	This spindle-shell (Peristernia chlorostoma) is one of our most abundant gastropods in shallow water, typically found close to the shore on fringing reefs. Nassarius hirtus   is a relatively common snail in shallow sandy areas of the fringing reef.
	Muricodrupa funiculus   is a common species in shallow water found under rocks and on marine benches.
		Viriola sp.-- a small triphorid, the shells of which are common in beach drift.

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