Queen Conch

Natural Habitat

Queen conchs inhabit shallow, warm tropical waters of the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the coasts of some South American countries. They prefer sandy bottoms, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, typically at depths of less than 20 meters.

Diet & Feeding

Queen conchs are herbivores, primarily grazing on marine algae, detritus, and seagrasses found on the ocean floor. They use their radula to scrape food from surfaces.

Behavior Patterns

Queen conchs are slow-moving gastropods that spend their time foraging for food on the seabed. They are primarily active during the day. Reproduction involves internal fertilization, and females lay long, gelatinous egg masses containing thousands of eggs. Juveniles are often found buried in the sand during their vulnerable early stages.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Overfishing has severely impacted Queen Conch populations across the Caribbean, leading to their listing as CITES Appendix II (threatened species) and prompting fishing bans in many areas. Their shells, while beautiful, are often collected, further pressuring populations. Benefits: They play an important ecological role by grazing on algae and seagrass, which helps maintain the health of seagrass beds. They are also a significant food source and economically important species for local communities when sustainably managed.

Identified on: 7/4/2025