Lobatus gigas

Lobatus gigas, commonly known as the queen conch or pink conch, is a species of large edible sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family of Strombidae, the true conchs. This species is one of the largest mollusks native to the tropical northwestern Atlantic, from Bermuda to Brazil, reaching up to 35.2 cm in shell length.

Description

The shell of Lobatus gigas has a characteristic shape, with a large, robust spiral structure and a flared outer lip. The shell's exterior is often covered in various marine organisms, while the interior is glossy and pink. The animal itself is soft-bodied, with a large foot used for locomotion and a siphon used for respiration and sensory perception.

Habitat and Distribution

Lobatus gigas is found in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic coast of South America. It prefers sandy seafloor habitats near coral reefs, where it can find its preferred food sources.

Diet

The diet of Lobatus gigas primarily consists of algae and detritus. It uses its radula, a specialized feeding organ, to scrape food particles off the substrate.

Reproduction

Lobatus gigas has a unique reproductive strategy. It is a broadcast spawner, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. The resulting larvae are planktonic, drifting with the currents until they are large enough to settle to the seafloor and begin growing a shell.

Human Interaction

Lobatus gigas is an important species for human fisheries, particularly in the Caribbean. Its meat is a popular food source, and its shell is used for decorative purposes. However, overfishing has led to population declines in many areas, and conservation measures are in place in several countries to protect this species.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List classifies Lobatus gigas as a species of least concern, but notes that its population is decreasing. Overfishing and habitat destruction are the primary threats to this species.

See Also

• Strombidae
• Mollusca
• Gastropoda