What is Spondylus?
Spondylus is a type of bivalve mollusks (others include oysters, mussels, and clams) and are grouped in the same family as scallops. They are sometimes called thorny or spiny oysters (although they are not oysters) because of their barbed protrusions. Their meat is edible and their shells are quite popular with collectors.
The mollusks have been important to the people of Ecuador and Columbia for cent
uries and served as currency as well as offerings to the goddess Pachamama.
Pre-Hispanic populations traded spondylus shells and they have been found as far north as present-day Mexico. The white, pink or orange shells with their white or orange thorns provided colorful materials for jewelry, household goods, and decorations.
Traveling the coast of Ecuador, you’ll encounter signs announcing La Ruta de Spondylus. The Spondylus Route stretches from Peru in the south to the Ecuadorian province of Esmeraldas in the north. It offers opportunities for deep-sea fishing, whale watching, diving, bird watching (including blue footed boobies), and some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat at the best price you’ll ever pay.
Imagery Source:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spondylus_crassisquama
https://pixabay.com/es/users/alejomiranda-1019225
