queen or fighting conch?

[diggidy]

does the queen conch have the same elongated operculum as the fighting conch? and if so does the queen conch flip itsself about if threatened in the same manner? i bought 2 of these guys and was told they were queens, but i now think that they are the fighting conchs...and takers??? thanks

 

[Snail Guy]

Hi,

I've attached a photo of an operculum from Strombus luhuanus. All Strombus possess this type of operculum, regardless of size. Likewise, considering their very powerful foot, no conch should have trouble with turning itself over.

Cheers,
Bob

 

[diggidy]

thanks bob...i'm wondering if you could tell me a way to differentiate between the 2 species?

 

[Will]

Depending on how large your conch is, you can tell by the inner color of the shell. Fighting Conchs (http://www.shellmuseum.org/Sanibel/shells_alatus.html) are brown inside, while Queen Conchs (http://www.madang.pl/obrazki/muszla_237.jpg) are pink inside.
-Will