Melo melo

Melo melo 01

Melo melo

GIA 10.72 Strong Orange Melo Melo Pearl & Diamond Necklace in Platinum 1

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GIA 10.72 ct. Melo Pearl, Diamond & Platinum Ring - Scott Papper, GG, CMA, RGA, AJP

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Melo melo Vietnam

Melo melo, commonly known as the Indian volute or the bailer shell, is a large sea snail belonging to the family Volutidae, the volutes. This marine gastropod mollusk is notable for its beautifully patterned shell and significant size. The species is predominantly found in the Indo-Pacific region, thriving in sandy and muddy substrates at depths where sunlight penetration is minimal.

Description

The shell of Melo melo can reach impressive sizes, with some specimens measuring up to 50 cm in length, making it one of the largest gastropods in its habitat. The shell is bulbous with a short spire and a large body whorl. Its coloration varies from pale yellow to deep orange, often adorned with a pattern of brown or orange zigzag lines or spots. The large aperture is smooth inside, typically showing a glossy finish.

The animal itself is as remarkable as its shell, with a large, muscular foot used for burrowing and movement across the sea floor. Melo melo is a carnivorous species, preying on smaller mollusks and benthic invertebrates. Reproduction in this species is oviparous, with females laying eggs that hatch into free-swimming larvae before settling on the ocean floor and developing into juvenile snails.

Habitat and Distribution

Melo melo is found in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the eastern coast of India, across the Malay Archipelago, to the southern shores of China and northern Australia. It prefers sandy or muddy bottoms, often in protected bays or estuaries, where it can bury itself for camouflage and protection.

Human Interaction

The shell of Melo melo is highly prized by collectors due to its size and beauty, leading to its overharvesting in some areas. In addition to the ornamental trade, the snail is also harvested for its meat in some parts of its range. However, there is growing concern over the sustainability of these practices, as overfishing could lead to a decline in populations.

Conservation

While Melo melo is not currently listed as endangered, its populations are under threat from overfishing and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the species' long-term survival, including the regulation of shell trade and the establishment of marine protected areas to safeguard its natural habitat.

See Also

• Volutidae
• Gastropod
• Indo-Pacific

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