Key Takeaways
| Fact | Description |
| Scientific Name | Macrostrombus Costatus |
| Common Name | Milk Conch |
| Family | Strombidae |
| Distinctive Features | High spire, flaring lip, green siphon and eyestalks, blue eyes |
| Habitat | Tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean |
Introduction
The Milk Conch, scientifically known as Macrostrombus costatus, is a species of large sea snail that belongs to the family Strombidae. People also know this family as the true conchs. It is not just a fascinating creature to observe, but it also plays a significant role as a food source in the regions where it is found.
Physical Characteristics
Shell Structure
The Milk Conch, like most conchs, has a high and curled spire. As the snail matures, it starts thickening and flaring the shell’s outer lip. This flaring lip is a distinctive feature of mature Milk Conchs. The average length is about 20 cm.
Color and Appearance
The Milk Conch is quite distinctive in appearance. It has a green siphon and eyestalks, which sets it apart from other species like the Queen Conch, which has a brown-and-white mottled pattern. Another unique feature of the Milk Conch is its blue eyes.
Habitat and Distribution
The tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean are home to the Milk Conch. It is dispersed along the coasts and islands of North, Central, and South America. Specifically, it has been recorded along the coasts of Paraíba state of northeastern Brazil, Venezuela, Panama, Bermuda, Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Diet and Predators
The Milk Conch primarily feeds on algae. It is mainly found in shallow habitats such as seagrass meadows, sand beds, and algal flats. This diet of algae allows them to thrive in these environments.
When it comes to predators, it faces threats from various marine creatures. As juveniles, hermit crabs pose the greatest threat. As adults, lobsters are thought to be one of their main predators. In Puerto Rico, it seems that octopuses don’t usually eat Milk Conch. It’s a different story in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Over there, the common octopus, also known as Octopus vulgaris, eats Milk Conch.
Reproduction
It starts life as a tiny creature floating in the sea, called a veliger. In about a month, it changes, or metamorphoses, into a benthic snail that lives on the ocean floor. When it’s warm in the summer, lots of these snails come together to make baby snails. The really amazing thing is that the female snails can keep sperm, which is needed to make babies, inside a special part of their body. This means they can make babies even when there are no male snails around!
Conservation Status
The conservation status of the Milk Conch is currently unknown due to lack of research. However, commercial interests highly seek after this species, and its population numbers are beginning to reflect this demand.
Commercial Importance
The Milk Conch is an edible species, making these snails an important diet for the inhabitants of where they are found. These snails are also known for their beautiful shells, which are medium to large in size. But there’s a problem. Because so many people want these snails, either for food or for their pretty shells, there are not as many Milk Conch snails as there used to be.
Conclusion
The Milk Conch is a remarkable creature with its unique physical characteristics and wide distribution. Its high spire, flaring lip, green siphon, and blue eyes make it a distinctive member of the true conchs. Its presence in the tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean contributes to the rich biodiversity of these regions. Whether you’re a marine biologist, a shell collector, or just a nature enthusiast, they are sure to capture your interest and admiration.
References
- https://www.sealifebase.ca/summary/Lobatus-costatus.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrostrombus_costatus
- https://www.thecephalopodpage.org/MarineInvertebrateZoology/strombuscostatus.html