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What is a Queen Conch?
in Papiamentu, our local language, the Queen Conch is called: Karkó
The Queen Conch (Lobatus gigas) is a large marine mollusk (or snail, in simpeler terms). It is native to the warm, shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.
It is a benthic species, meaning it resides on the ocean floor. In this way it plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem by grazing on algae and contributing to the health of seagrass beds. ​​​​​​
The shell of the Queen Conch is its exoskeleton and offers protection as it matures.
A fascinating lifecycle
The life cycle of the Queen Conch is a fascinating journey that begins as tiny eggs, which hatch into free-swimming larvae. These larvae drift with the ocean currents for several weeks before settling on the ocean floor.
As they grow, they transition into the juvenile stage (metamorphosis), developing their iconic spiral-shaped shells.
Juveniles gradually migrate to deeper waters, where they mature into adults over several years. This complex life cycle is critical for the species' survival and the health of marine ecosystems.
Breeding season runs from
May to September
The breeding season of the queen conch typically occurs during the warmer months, usually from May to September. During this time, conchs mate. The female Queen Conch then lays its eggs in jelly-like egg masses that can contain up to several hundred thousand eggs. These egg masses are typically attached to the seafloor and after about two weeks, the eggs hatch veliger larvae, which are tiny and planktonic. These larvae can drift with ocean currents for several weeks before settling down and metamorphosing into juvenile conchs, ready to begin their life on the seafloor.
Facts about the Queen Conch
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It takes about 5 years for a Queen Conch to reach sexual maturity.
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Queen Conchs can live up to 30 years in the wild.
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A fully grown Queen Conch shell can weigh up to 5 pounds!
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You can estimate a Queen Conchs age by measuring its shell length and lip thickness.
A cultural icon
Beyond its ecological importance, the Queen Conch is a significant cultural and economic resource, particularly in Caribbean communities where it is harvested for its meat and used in traditional crafts.
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It is part of the national flag of the Turks and Caicos islands, and will be included as a security hologram on the new Caribbean guilder of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. Indicating its prominent place in local culture
