LARGE SPIDER CONCH SEASHELL (LAMDIS TRUNCATA SEBAE) WITH IMPRESSIVE SPINES (27CM LONG x 17CM WIDE)

A LARGE SPECIMEN OF A NATURAL SPIDER CONCH SEASHELL FOUND IN THE SHALLOW TROPICAL WATERS OF THE COAST OF MOZAMBIQUE.
 
The Spider Conche group gets its name from the leg-like extensions along the edge of the expanded opening of the shell (aperture) that serve no function in locomotion. Researchers believe these spines serve to prevent the snail from rolling on the bottom. As an added benefit, long, thick spines could make it more difficult for mollusk-eating fish to eat the Scorpion Spider Conch.
 
SIZE 27CM LONG 17CM WIDE 8CM HIGH
 
CONDITION: ONE TIP TO SPIDER ARMS BROKEN OFF. OVERALL GOOD CONDITION. PLEASE SEE PHOTOS.
 
GIANT SPIDER SEACONCH:
Lambis truncata, common name the giant spider conch, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Strombidae, the true conchs.
Lambis truncata is the largest and heaviest of spider shells, up to 40 cm. Lambis truncata is similar to Lambis lambis but with a more squarish outline. Younger shells are creamy white; columella and lip usually mauve brown when older. The long spines on its shell are found only on adults and gives it its common name. The shell of young snails look like large volutes. Male and female snails look very different. The shell of the males usually smaller and with shorter spines on the outer lip.
The distribution of Lambis truncata includes the Indian Ocean off Aldabra, Chagos, Madagascar, Mauritius, Tanzania; the Bay of Bengal and in the Pacific Ocean along the Philippines.
Status and threats: The spider conch is listed as 'Vulnerable'. Ii is "rare and no longer as abundant as in the 1960's". Like other creatures of the intertidal zone, they are affected by human activities such as reclamation and pollution. Trampling by careless visitors and over-collection for their shells also have an impact on local populations.
 
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