conchs

Conchs are large marine snails known for their thick spiraled shells. The term is applied most often to snails in the family Strombidae, though it is used more broadly in everyday language for several other large sea snails. The best-known edible conch is the queen conch, Lobatus gigas (also listed historically as Strombus gigas).

Taxonomically, conchs belong to the family Strombidae, with genera such as Strombus, Lobatus, Conomurex, and others. The queen conch is Lobatus gigas, a name used in current classifications; older sources may list Strombus gigas.

Shells are typically sturdy and can reach substantial sizes. They are spiraled and elongated, with variations among species in color and pattern. The interior of the shell is often pink or orange, especially in mature queen conch shells. The animal uses a large, muscular foot and a specialized lip to move and feed.

Conchs inhabit warm, shallow marine waters in tropical and subtropical regions, on sandy bottoms, seagrass beds, and near coral reefs. They are mostly herbivores or detritivores, grazing on algae and organic material. Reproduction involves releasing eggs and sperm into the water, with planktonic larval stages before settling into juvenile snails.

Queen conch meat is a traditional staple in Caribbean cuisine and is widely harvested for food. The sturdy shells have long been used in crafts, ornamentation, and as horn instruments in some cultures. Due to overfishing and habitat loss, many populations are protected by fisheries regulations, trade controls, and seasonal or size-based harvest limits in various countries. In international trade, queen conch is subject to CITES and other regulatory frameworks.