fulgur conch
Quick Summary
A fulgur conch, also known as a whelk, is a type of marine snail belonging to the family Melongenidae. These snails are characterized by their sturdy, elongated shells with a wide aperture. Fulgur conchs are found in various marine environments and are known to feed on other mollusks, and some species also prey on fish and crustaceans.12
The term "conch" itself refers to marine snails of the subclass Prosobranchia, often recognized by a broadly triangular outer whorl on their shell with a wide lip. While some snails are incorrectly called conchs, true conchs are typically from the family Strombidae. These feed on plant matter in warm waters.1
Fulgur conchs, such as the channeled conch (B. canaliculatum) and the lightning conch (B. contrarium), are common on the Atlantic coast of the United States. The largest living snail, the Australian trumpet or baler (Syrinx aruanus), is also a melongenid.1
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