Pleuroploca gigantea
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| Pleuroploca gigantea |
Pleuroploca gigantea is commonly called the Horse Conch and the Giant Band Shell. It is a mollusk, a gastropod, a snail, but it is not a true conch, as it is not in the genus Strombus. It is found along the Atlantic Coast of the Americas from the U.S. state of North Carolina in the north to Brazil in the south.
It is the largest snail in the Americas and one of the largest univalves in the world. It can grow to 24 inches (60 cm). The body can retreat entirely into the shell and remain there for months if unfavorable conditions prevail.
The U.S. state of Florida declared it the state seashell in 1969. The shell is much sought after due to its bright orange color and size.
[edit] Archaeological and anthropological references
In classic Mayan art, the Horse Conch is shown being utilized in many ways including as paint and ink holders for elite scribes and as bugle or trumpet.
[edit] External links
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