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''Strombus gigas'' is a true Conch and the largest Mollusk native to North America . It can grow to 15-31 Cm (6-12 Inch es) in length. Common names for ''S. gigas'' include (Caribbean) queen conch, pink conch, caracol reina, caracol rosa, caracol rosado, caracol de pala, cobo, botuto, guarura, and lambí. ''S. gigas'' lives in the wider Caribbean region including Mexico , southern Florida , and the Bahamas , north to Bermuda . It lives in Seagrass meadows and on sandy substrate feeding on detritus, macroalgae, and Epiphyte s. The Nacre of its shell blushes a sunrise of pink, yellow, peach and cream colors. The female lays between 180,000 and 460,000 eggs. A small Cardinal Fish , known as the Conch Fish sometimes lives in the mantle of the conch for protection. HISTORICAL HUMAN USE Classic Mayan art depicts what appears to be the shell of ''S. gigas'' being worn on the hands of boxers. The Carib Indians used to make Knives , ax heads, and Chisel s out of the lip of the conch before they acquired metal. REFERENCES
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