Strombus

Strombus is a genus of large sea snails in the family Strombidae, commonly known as true conchs. The genus has historically included many species, but recent taxonomic work has moved several species to other genera within Strombidae. A well-known example is the queen conch, Strombus gigas, which is now commonly placed in the genus Lobatus as Lobatus gigas.

In general, Strombus shells are thick and robust, with a long siphonal canal and a flared outer lip in many adults. They often show sculptured ornamentation, such as varices or ridges, and color patterns range from pale to richly patterned. The animal has a broad foot adapted for slow grazing on the seafloor.

Strombus species occur in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide, especially in the Western Atlantic, Caribbean, and Indo-Pacific regions. They favor shallow coastal habitats, including sandy environments, seagrass beds, and coral reef lagoons.

They are herbivorous or detritivorous grazers. Reproduction involves separate sexes; females release eggs that hatch into free-swimming veliger larvae before settling as juveniles.

Strombus species are exploited for meat and shells. The queen conch (Lobatus gigas, formerly Strombus gigas) is listed on CITES Appendix II in many jurisdictions, and many populations are protected by management measures such as catch limits, size limits, seasonal closures, or marine protected areas due to overharvesting and habitat loss.