Conchs (pronounced either "kahn-k" or "kahn-ch") are snails and need their shells in order to survive. They're able to cap themselves inside their shells using the lid-like structure called the 'operculum'. In "true" conchs, this may also be used for stabbing! True conchs are typically able to be identified by a notch in their shells though this isn't always apparent. Some species have smooth shells while others have spiked shells. These shells are used by humans for jewelry, anchors, and more!
Scientific Name: Family - Strombidae
Range: tropical to subtropical waters worldwide
Size: 2 to more than 15 inches (5-38cm) in shell length
Diet: algae, plankton, detritus
Lifespan: up to 25 years in larger species
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Image and Video Credits:
Brian Bauer - • Conch hunting Garden Eel
whatifwechange - • BON215 - The QueenConch
Robert Lawless - • vlog28 RSM S 500 The Eyes to the Righ...
sarahbraunhamilton - • FightingConchFlip.avi
Jimmy Snell - www.flickr.com/photos/jimemo7/191110644
James St. John - www.flickr.com/photos/jsjgeology/25543350610; www.flickr.com/photos/jsjgeology/50396036087
Joe Loong - www.flickr.com/photos/joelogon/7075211179
Kathy - www.flickr.com/photos/44603071@N00/3538125669
Mudasir Zainuddin - commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lambis_chiragra_Li…
H. Zell - commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lambis_scorpius_in… commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Canarium_mutabile_… commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sinustrombus_sinua… commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lambis_lambis_02.j… commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Doxander_vittatus_…
Simon Tongue - www.inaturalist.org/photos/59960424
Rodrigo Canalli - www.inaturalist.org/photos/35124792
Research Credits:
www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_to…
www.fao.org/3/w7191e/w7191e40.pdf
www.stromboidea.de/?n=Species.Strombus
www.worldwideconchology.com/fam/strombidae.shtml
www.google.com/books/edition/Florida_s_Seashells/F…
www.thoughtco.com/conch-profile-2291824
Animal Fact Files
