Spider conch (Lambis lambis)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Lambis lambis
- Common name
- Spider conch
- Category
- Molluscs
- Family
- Strombidae
- Genus
- Lambis
- Size
- 15–25 cm
- Depth
- 0–30 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- seagrass, sand
- Behaviours
- benthic, slow-mover
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea
Description
Lambis lambis reaches 25 cm of deployed shell. Large Strombidae gastropod with spectacular spider-deployed shell with 6-7 finger-like extensions (3-4 at columella, 2-3 at aperture, forming fingers). Beige-orange exterior shell, vivid pink-purple interior. Stalked eyes with quick perception. Lives from 0 to 30 m on sand and seagrass of tropical Indo-Pacific. Herbivore grazing algae and detritus. Locally fished for mother-of-pearl and food. Wide-angle photo subject for deployed shell.
Photo of Spider conch
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Spider conch?
- Spider conch (Lambis lambis) reaches 15–25 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Spider conch?
- Spider conch is found between 0–30 m deep.
- Is the Spider conch dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Spider conch?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Spider conch?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.
Other species in the genus Lambis
Other species in the family Strombidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 211096)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 4361115)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia