Queen conch (Aliger gigas)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Aliger gigas
- Common name
- Queen conch
- Category
- Molluscs
- Family
- Strombidae
- Size
- 15–35 cm
- Depth
- 1–25 m
- IUCN status
- Near threatened (NT)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- sandy, seagrass
- Behaviours
- herbivore, diurnal, solitary
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean
Description
The queen conch is the largest herbivorous snail in the Caribbean, grazing on seagrass beds and sandy bottoms. Its heavy spiral shell with a distinctive flared pink lip has made it a cultural symbol across the region. Overharvesting has led to strict fishing regulations in many countries.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Queen conch?
- Queen conch (Aliger gigas) reaches 15–35 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Queen conch?
- Queen conch is found between 1–25 m deep.
- Is the Queen conch dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Queen conch?
- IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).
- Where can you find the Queen conch?
- Found in: Caribbean.
Other species in the family Strombidae
- Lobatus costatus - Milk conch
- Lambis lambis - Spider conch
- Lambis truncata - Truncate Spider Conch
- Strombus pugilis - Rooster-tail Conch
- Lambis chiragra - Goat's Foot Conch
Sources
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia