Lambis truncata, common name the giant spider conch, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Strombidae, the true conchs.

Subspecies

Subspecies of Lambis truncata include: Lambis truncata truncata has a flat apex, while the apex of Lambis truncata sebae is more pointed.

Description

Lambis truncata is the largest and heaviest of spider shells, up to 40 cm. Lambis truncata is similar to Lambis lambis but with a more squarish outline. Younger shells are creamy white; columella and lip usually mauve brown when older.

Distribution

The distribution of Lambis truncata includes the Indian Ocean off Aldabra, Chagos, Madagascar, Mauritius, Tanzania; the Bay of Bengal and in the Pacific Ocean along the Philippines.

Ecology

Lambis truncata lives on rubble and coarse sand in shallow water.