Conchs are the marine mollusc and are classified as omnivorous species because they eat algae, bacteria, and diatoms for their survival. Conch is safe to eat, but fewer conches contain toxins that can cause diarrhea and vomiting.

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Conchs are native to Florida, the Bahamas, and Bermuda and to the coasts of the Caribbean. Conch can be found in the Arabian Sea, Ram Setu, Sri Lanka, and in the West Indies. Conchs are found throughout the world in shallow waters. They prefer habitats that contain reefs, sandy bottoms, and seagrass. Conchs can produce pearls of different colors in their shells.

The average size of a conch is about 6 to 9 inches in length, but it can grow up to 12 inches. The average weight of a conch ranges between 3 to 5 pounds. A conch can live up to 40 years.

Algae and Plants

Conch eat various marine plants and algae. Conchs eat green algae and algae flakes. They can eat hair algae and filamentous algae. Conch can eat tiny marine plants such as detritus and sea cucumber. Conch also eats dead plant matter and dead algae in the water. Conchs also eat dry seaweed. Conchs feed on phytoplankton and tiny microalgae which float on the surface of the water.

Bacteria and microorganisms

Conchs eat various bacteria present in water. Conchs eat diatoms, cyanobacteria, and some other organisms present in water. Sometimes conchs also ingest harmful bacteria such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which can cause chills, fever, nausea, etc. 

In captivity, conchs eat green algae in a huge amount. They can feed on the hair algae and filamentous algae which is present in the tank.

What conchs don’t eat?

Conchs don’t feed on large marine animals such as shrimps, crabs, other snails, and slugs. Conchs can’t eat meat present in water. Conchs don’t eat eggs of other fishes.