Peruvian Conch Shell, Lobatus peruvianus

Peruvian Conch Shell, Lobatus peruvianus. Shell courtesy of the commercial fishermen of the greater Los Cabos area, Baja California Sur, March 2008. Size: 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) x 9.5 cm (3.7 inches).

The Peruvian Conch, Lobatus peruvianus (Swainson, 1823), is a gastropod mollusk that is a member of the Strombidae Family of True Conch Shells. They are also known as the Cock’s Comb Conch and in Mexico as cobo cresta de gallo. The juvenile Peruvian Conch Shells are very similar to Cone Shell. As they mature the shell thickens and the outer lip of the aperture flares like a wing. Adults have a large body whorl, a low spire and the shell is marked with low revolving ridges. The exterior of the shell is brown or tan in color and some are variegated with white; the aperture may be brownish-orange, bright orange or pink; and they are covered with a thick dark brown periostracum. Peruvian Conch Shells reach a maximum of 21.5 cm (8.5 inches) in length and 12.4 cm (4.9 inches) in height.

Peruvian Conchs are sand dwellers found in the intertidal zone to depths up to 40 m (130 feet). They range from Todos Santos, Baja California Sur to Peru and they are found in the Sea of Cortez from Bahía Concepción to Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur.

A synonym is Strombus peruvianus.