A large family, with a worldwide distribution. Most of the larger species live near the Arctic. Their rough shells, often with a heavy periostracum are appealing because they remind the collector of the cold atmosphere of very northern beaches. Their data reminisce of the time of the great discoveries: Barentz Sea Bering Strait, Spitzbergen, Nova Zembla, are all romantic names linked to great ships and explorers such as the Victoria and Perry. Nowadays BUCCINIDAE are more collected than ever. Warm water species may have beautiful colours and are usually smaller than their northern relatives. Especially the genera SIPHONALIA and BABYLONIA are a pleasure to collect and to build up a complete set. About 800 species.

For a list of genera and species:
http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=149