AMEN
FRED (PHRED) to others
in MN
 
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> From: Peggy Williams <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Definition:  Conch vs Whelk
> Date: Sunday, October 11, 1998 7:49 PM
>
> >Whelks are Carnivorous and Conchs are Herbivorous. That
is the main
> >morphological difference. Whelks as well as members of
Fasciolariadae are
> >voracious carnivores. Conchs (members of Strombidae) are
grazers. (I am
> >thinking of Strombus gigas, pugilus, alatus, and other
shallow/ medium depth
> >strombidae)  I'll bet the kid was thinking of the
quintessential shell
> >Strombus gigas. and the common Busycon Carica.  I hope
this helps.
> >
>
> That definition is fine if you live in the eastern USA.
However, in the
> Bahamas and West Indies (and Belize) a "whelk" is
Cittarium pica, an
> herbivore. In the northeast US and British Isles a
"whelk" is Buccinum
> undatum, a buccinid, and in the southern US it's any
Busycon, in the family
> Melongenidae, which are carnivores.
>
> Conchs, called "Conchas" in Spanish, can be most
anything, including
> Muricidae, in Mexico and Central America. Even Cassis
(which we call Helmet
> shells) are known as Conchs in the Bahamas.
>
> The answer to the difference is "depends on where you
live". Common names
> are only helpful in local situations. We need to use
Latin to be sure other
> shellers know what we're talking about!
>
> Peggy Williams
>
>
http://www.mindspring.com/~shellelegant
>                                   Peggy Williams
>                                    Shell Elegant Tours
>                  PO Box 575     *     Tallevast FL 34270
>           (941) 355-2291  *   [log in to unmask]