There’s a story in the News-Press today about a mass-beaching of Fighting Conchs (Strombus alatus) on Bonita Beach, Florida.
Hundreds of thousands of live conchs were on the beach Tuesday. According to the article, the experts don’t know exactly why this occurs. Explanations range from mating behavior to an extremely low tide. People quoted in the article say they’ve never seen anything like this.
I have. Twice.
The first time was in the mid 1990’s on Lover’s Key. The second time was on Clearwater Beach, about a mile north of Pier 60, around 2004 (not sure of the exact year).
I took the above photo during the Clearwater Beach stranding. Most of the conchs appeared to be dying, as they were so far above the water line for an extended period of time.
I spoke to Dr. Gustav Paulay (Curator of Marine Malacology at the Florida Museum of Natural History) and he was not sure why this would occur.
I also had occasion to speak to Cecilia Abbott, wife of the late R. Tucker Abbott, and I recall her saying that this is one of nature’s mysteries (I’m paraphrasing).
Sounds like a great opportunity for a PhD thesis, no?
Note that I’ve linked to the obituary of R. Tucker Abbott above as it appears on the web site of the Conchologists of America, as that is the best description of his immense contribution to science that I’ve found.
Further note: The day after I wrote this blog post, I received notice that Cecelia Abbott has just passed away. I have written another blog post: Remembering Cecelia White Abbott
Florida Fighting Conchs are beautiful shells. When alive, and placed on their “back,” they will quickly right themselves (see video below).
To see some excellent photos of the conchs stranding on Bonita Beach, visit the I Love Shelling blog. You have to see it to believe it.
