Laevistrombus canarium, commonly known as the dog conch, is a species of edible sea snail, a marine gastropod in the true conch family, found from India and Sri Lanka to Melanesia, Australia and southern Japan. The animal has an elongated snout, thin eyestalks with well-developed eyes and sensory tentacles, and a narrow, strong foot. The burrowing behaviours and leaping form of locomotion are common among true conchs. Living on muddy and sandy bottoms, it grazes on algae and detritus. The easily distinguishable sexes depend on internal fertilization for spawning. The maximum life span is 2 to 2.5 years. Predators of this snail include carnivorous gastropods such as cone snails and volutes. It is also a prey species for vertebrates, including humans, who consume the soft parts in a wide variety of dishes. The heavy shell is valued as an ornament, and used as a sinker for fishing nets. Several studies indicate that populations in some areas may be suffering from overexploitation. (Full article...)
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