This is one of the largest and most beautiful marine mollusks in the Caribbean. Shell has short conical spire with blunt spikes. Shell’s exterior is orangish and apertura is rosy-pink. Inhabit seagrass beds and sand flats, often around patch reefs. Queen conch has become uncommon in many areas because of over-harvesting. Jardines de la Reina has the healthiest population of Cuba and perhaps of the Caribbean. It is considered Vulnerable by IUCN.
Helmet conchs (Cassis sp.):
These are among the largest and most beautiful marine mollusks in the Caribbean. Exterior shell in shades of reddish-brown in a wavy, netted pattern. Shell aperture is rosy-pink-purple. Inhabit seagrass beds and sand flats, often around patch and fringing reefs. During day usually burrow in sand with only small part of upper shell exposed. Hunt in open at night for sea urchins, which they attack with surprising speed. Helmet conchs have become uncommon in many areas because of over-collecting. Jardines de la Reina has a healthy population of Helmet conchs. They are considered Vulnerable by IUCN.