Florida Fighting Conch

Strombus alatus

The fighting conch one of the most prevalent on shells on Lee County beaches.  It is also one of the most varied. At times, these thick, solid shells can be found by the hundreds. The color of the fighting conch ranges from white to almost black, and the patterns can be almost endless.

The fighting conch is so named because of its tendency to fight with a would-be collector or predator. The animal has a long narrow foot which is armed with a horny, sickle-shaped operculum. When picked up, the animal will extend this foot, and with thrashing movements, attempt to pry itself loose from the fingers of the collector. It is almost humorous to watch the shell move with the use of this foot. When placed on a solid surface, the animal kicks out the foot, moving about in awkward leaps. 

Actually, the fighting conch is a docile animal. They are seaweed eaters and many times can be found grazing in large colonies, like a herd of cattle. At other times many shellers walk over live specimens as they are buried in the sand. They emerge to feed just as the tide begins to return. 

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