Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Spider Conch

[Originally posted to the Moorea Coral Reef LTER (MCR LTER) Marine Life Encyclopedia]

Spider Conch
(Lambis truncata)

Spider Conch - Lambis truncata
Photo by Gerick Bergsma

Distribution
Conchs in the genus Lambis are found on tropical reefs worldwide.  L. truncata has been reported from the Red Sea, Mauritius, India, Australia, the Philippines, Kiribati and French Polynesia.

Habitat
Reef flats and sand patches

Diet
Algae and detritus

Quick Fact
Males and females can be distinguished by the shape of their shells.  Females are generally much larger, and have longer spines. Spider conchs move using a large, spiked foot.

Learn More
Coming Soon
- Moorea Biocode Database

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