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By Amanda Miller
Geographic Range
These are marine animals and are found from North Carolina to Florida and into Mexico.
Biogeographic Regions:
nearctic 
(native ); atlantic ocean (native ).
Habitat
The Florida horse conch lives among the sand and weeds in the shallow marine waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Aquatic Biomes:
coastal .
Physical Description
The Florida horse conch is the largest snail to be found in the American waters, sometimes reaching a length of two feet. It has ten whorls, and its shoulders bear large, low nodules. The operculum is a leathery brown color, the aperture is orange, and the animal itself is brick red in color.
Reproduction
Reproduction is sexual. The female attaches capsule-like structures to rock or old shell. Each capsule contains several dozen eggs for the young snails to feed upon. The capsule contains 5-6 circular rims, and they are laid in clumps. The young emerge and are an orange color, approximately 3.5 inches in diameter.
Behavior
Florida horse conchs are usually solitary creatures.
Food Habits
The Florida horse conch are carnivores that feed on bivalves and other snails.
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
Florida horse conchs are used as food and are said to taste "peppery." They also eat other bivalves that may sometimes be pests to man.
Conservation Status
The Florida horse conch is very common and is found quite easily around the Florida coast in the Atlantic ocean.
For More Information
Find Pleuroploca gigantea information at
Contributors
Amanda Miller (author), University of Michigan.
