Queen Conch

Strombus gigas

The next time you see 'Conch Fritters' on a menu think about this wonderful creature that lives in sea grass beds and around patch reefs living a slow and peaceful life. Next to man, the octopus is it's main predator. It is found in warm, shallow water and is generally not found deeper than 70 feet. They can live as long as 70 years and reproduce internally and lay eggs. Conch are abundant in some areas, in other places populations have declined drastically due to over harvesting for their meat and shells. Read more Here (external link) Queen conch are managed under national regulation. In the United States, all takes of queen conch are prohibited in Florida and adjacent Federal waters. In Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, queen conch is regulated by The Caribbean Fishery Management Council. Read more Here (external Link)