Naked sand darter Naked sand darter The naked sand darter ("Ammocrypta beanii") is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae. It is found in the south-eastern United States. The naked sand darter is a small fish ranging in size from 40 to 50 mm long, the maximum being around 64 mm. Being a long thin darter, it is devoid of scales with the exception of a few rows above and below the lateral line and sometimes the caudal peduncle. Slightly transparent in life with a yellow color and iridescent operculum, the naked sand darter blends in with its habitat. It has darker bands
Operculum (gastropod) that of lower quality is reminiscent of burnt hair. The operculum of certain species of Turbinidae is sometimes used as a very inexpensive organic "gemstone" in rings, bracelets, amulets etc. These opercula are commonly known as "cats eye" (or more recently "Shiva's eye"). The turban snail "Turbo petholatus" is the species whose operculum is most widely used, although the operculum of other species of "Turbo" are sometimes used. The operculum is almost always given a solid setting, because it has one unattractive flat and corneous side where it was attached to the animal, and one roughly hemispherical glossy side, which,