Caribbean Sea Queen Conch

THIS SPECIES IS AT RISK OF EXTINCTION DUE TO EXCESSIVE GATHERING. Also known as Caracol rosado, Lobatus gigas, or the Aztec name Teccizmama, Caribbean sea queen conch is one of the largest Caribbean mollusks.

Their beautiful shells measure from 20 centimeters to 35 centimeters in length. In the past, queen conch’s shell was used to make knives, blades, and musical instruments which were used in various ceremonies and rituals. Nowadays, the flesh of queen conch is the most prized, particularly on the Yucatan peninsula, while on the island of Cozumel, the meat is typically used in ceviche, but it can also be prepared with coconut milk or roasted.

Due to the unique flavor of the flesh and their beautiful shells, Carribean sea queen conch has been excessively gathered, resulting in drastic reduction of the species in the area, so its consumption is nowadays strongly discouraged.