You're likely doing well on this goal line; the Mermaid goals are very, very, very long term. Nearly everything involved is on the more expensive side and it's one of those goals that the longer you play, the easier it becomes. For instance, when I first started I was constantly searching for mermaid items and spending cash to chop items to find them but toward the end of the goal line I was maxed on everything without trying or thinking about it. I think it's mostly due to the fact that the more goals you complete, the more items and pets become available to you that all drop needed items for Mermaid goals.
Anyway....
Orange Shell 8 gems
Info: A simple orange seashell found near Sea Anemones.
Found: Pearly Oyster, Ocean Chest, Teal Anemone, Blue Anemone, Coral Castle
Uses: item in upgrading Coral Castle, item in Purple Shell craft
Info via the Land and Sea thread located here: https://forums.storm8.com/showthread...als-in-posts-2