Common name: queen conch

General information

The Queen Conch, Lobatus gigas, is a large, marine gastropod mollusk known for its beautiful, spiral-shaped shell with a glossy pink or orange interior. This species is not only admired by shell collectors but also plays a significant role in Caribbean culture and cuisine. Due to overfishing and habitat loss, the Queen Conch is considered a species of concern for conservation efforts.

Care

In the aquarium, Queen Conchs require a spacious tank with a sandy substrate that allows them to burrow and search for food. They are excellent sand sifters, helping to keep the substrate clean and aerated. Their diet consists mainly of algae and detritus, but they may also benefit from supplemental feedings of vegetable-based foods.

Reproduction

Queen Conchs are gonochoric, meaning individuals are distinctly male or female. They reproduce by external fertilization, where females lay egg masses that hatch into free-swimming larvae. These larvae go through several planktonic stages before settling to the bottom and metamorphosing into juvenile conchs.

Symbiosis

While not known for specific symbiotic relationships like those seen in clownfish and anemones, Queen Conchs do play an important role in their ecosystem by controlling algae growth and providing a food source for predators, including humans.

Habitat

Lobatus gigas is native to the seagrass beds and sandy bottoms of the shallow, warm waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. They are typically found at depths from shallow waters to about 30 meters.