Nerites was a handsome, young sea god who was transformed into a shellfish by the gods. Some say he was a companion and lover of sea-born Aphrodite. When the goddess was invited by Zeus to join the gods of Olympos, Nerites refused to accompany her and for this reason was punished with metamorphoses. According to others he was instead a lover and charioteer of Poseidon who dared to challenge the sun-god Helios to a chariot-race. Nerites was defeated and as punishment for his hubris was transformed by the god into a shell-fish.