Strombidae

Strombidea is a family in the biological classification system. Hierarchically, it fits in as follows: Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Mollusca, Class Gastropoda, Subclass Prosobranchia, Order Mesogastropoda, Superfamily Stromboidea, Family Strombidae Rafinesque, 1815.

Family Strombidae comprises the following Geni: Genus Lambis Röding, 1798 (9 known living species), Genus Strombus Linné, 1758 (55 known living species), Genus Terebellum Lamarck, 1799 (1 known living species), Genus Tibia Röding, 1798 (6 known living species), Genus Varicospira Eames, 1952 (3 known living species).

Members of the Order Mesogastropoda usually have seven teeth positioned crosswise on the radula and a reproductive organ called a verge. The family Strombidae includes the true conchs, tibias, and their allies. Most are extinct. Of the living strombids, most occur in the Indo-Pacific region. Only six species of strombids are found in the wider Caribbean region, and all of them are in the genus Strombus.

Strombids have long eye stalks, a long and narrow aperture, and a siphonal canal with an indentation near the anterior end called a stromboid notch. Unlike most snails, which glide slowly across the substrate on their foot, strombids have a characteristic leaping motion, using their pointed, sickle-shaped, horny operculum to propel themselves forward in a leaping motion (Parker 1922). They grow a flared lip upon reaching sexual maturity, and they lay eggs in long, gelatinous strands.