Did you know that the Horse Conch is Florida's state shell, designated in 1969? These carnivorous marine snails are the largest in North America, growing to 2 feet long! Their "foot" is a large muscle used for locomotion as well as feeding. They'll use their foot to smother other animals like bivalves, tulip snails, and lightning whelks. Fun tidbit... go search what lightning whelk egg casings look like, they are super interesting looking!
Horse Conchs are found in shallow waters along the western Atlantic coastline from North Carolina to Florida, as well as Mexico. Due to their large size and beautiful design, they are big collector items and were used as tools by Native Americans. As popular as beach combing is for an activity, please do not disturb animals living in a shell. If it is a full shell and has no animal inside, still leave it! Other animals like hermit crabs grow over time and have to find new shells to live in.
Originally posted 7 July 2019
(not my pictures)
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