Milk Conch

Macrostrombus costatus

Milk Conch is a large sea snail with a distinctive thick shell characterized by a high spire and a flaring lip. The shell's interior is milky white, while the exterior is light cream, setting it apart from other conch species that often display pink or red tones. Adult shells typically measure around 20 cm in length, with a maximum recorded size of 23.1 cm. This species inhabits the tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in regions such as the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and along the coasts of North, Central, and South America, including areas like North Carolina to East Brazil. They prefer shallow-water back reef habitats, such as seagrass beds and algal banks, typically found at depths ranging from 2 to 55 meters, with most occurrences noted shallower than 40 meters. As herbivorous gastropods, Milk Conchs primarily feed on algae, while their larvae, known as veligers, consume phytoplankton. They reproduce by spawning in groups, with the breeding season occurring from early November to May. After hatching, the veligers develop into benthic snails in approximately 26 to 30 days. Despite their commercial importance in fisheries, particularly in the Caribbean, Milk Conch populations are believed to be declining due to overfishing, and there are currently no regulations governing their harvest in some areas, such as Panama. The conservation status of this species remains unknown due to a lack of research.