Horse Conch


M-940 HORSE CONCH, Triplofusus giganteus

The horse conch is the largest gastropod in the Gulf of Mexico and also the official state shell of Florida. It has a pointed shell and a huge orange foot making it a striking demonstration piece. Shell may be encrusted with a variety of worms, barnacles and bryozoans. Does not feed on clams, but feeds on other carnivorous gastropods. Size: up to 60 cm. long (smaller specimens shipped for aquarium) large, over 24 cm.

DIET

They use their powerful, orange foots to smother and trap prey. They mostly feed on lightning whelks, tulip snails and other predatory snails

HABITAT

Found in the shallow waters of North Carolina to the Yucatan Peninsula.

ANATOMY

Image result for Triplofusus giganteus"
(James St John, 2016)

VIDEOS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SicwvzorTk8


ADDITIONAL READING

Horse Conch

First Report of Cannibalism In Triplofusus giganteus (Gastropoda: Fasciolariidae)

Abundance and Distribution of Large Marine Gastropods in Nearshore Seagrass Beds Along the Gulf Coast of Florida