Millipede Spider Conch

Lambis millepeda

Lambis millepeda exhibits the classic design characteristic of the Lambis genus. Its shell is typically white to sand-colored, often featuring light brown shades, and can reach sizes between 90 and 201 mm in length. The underside of the shell has distinctive black furrows near the mouth, which can help in identifying this species among similar conchs. The legs of the conch are short and round, adding to its unique appearance. This species is found in the Indian Ocean, particularly off the coast of Madagascar, and in the Southwest Pacific Ocean. It typically inhabits shallow water bottoms, making it a common sight for divers exploring these regions. The conch is primarily benthic, residing on the ocean floor, and is often collected for its shell. Lambis millepeda is known to be gonochoric and a broadcast spawner, with its life cycle involving the development of embryos into planktonic trochophore larvae before they settle as juvenile veligers. Encountering this conch during a dive can be intriguing, as they often blend in with their surroundings, requiring keen observation to spot them amidst the sandy or rocky substrates. The species has not been evaluated for conservation status, and there are no specific threats noted against it.