Conch shells

Description:

Large iconic shell of the tropical ocean, the queen conch is particular to the tropical atlantic. The species is said to be intelligent, as fishermen report that conch populations move away from areas where shells have been cleaned and left on the reefs. In experiments with captive raised young specimins, groups appear to work together and will learn to avoid predators when witnessing one of their group killed and eaten. They are primarily nocturnal

Habitat:

shells are laid on the shore, under docks and in house foundations to prevent the living "herds" from abandoning the area

Notes:

Conchs are popular as ceviche and fritters and their shells are used to musical instruments