Volegalea cochlidium (Linnaeus, 1758)

Volegalea cochlidium, also known as the spiral melongena or by its more popular synonym, hemifusus pugilinus, is a type of sizable sea snail belonging to the marine gastropod mollusk family Melongenidae, which includes the crown conches and similar species.

Current Status of Name :
This name is currently accepted taxonomically.

Rank : Species

Environment : Marine

Soft Body Anatomy:

• Large muscular foot
• Long cylindrical siphon used for respiration
• Long proboscis containing the radula (rasping tongue-like organ)
• Pair of cephalic tentacles with eyes at their base

Habitat and Ecology:

• Found in coastal waters of the Indo-West Pacific region
• Lives partially buried in sandy or muddy substrates in intertidal and subtidal zones
• A predatory gastropod that feeds on bivalves by drilling holes in their shells
• Capable of producing sulfuric acid from its hypobranchial gland to aid in drilling

Life Cycle:

• Males and females release gametes into the water for external fertilization
• Larvae go through a free-swimming veliger stage before settling and metamorphosing
• Relatively slow-growing, with lifespan estimates of 5-10 years

Distribution:

• Native range extends across the tropical Indo-West Pacific
• From East Africa and the Red Sea to Japan, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Western Pacific islands

Significance:

• One of the largest living gastropod mollusks
• Shell is collected as a prize for shell enthusiasts and traders
• Traditional source of a purple dye used in ceremonial shell valuables in some Pacific cultures

Threats and Conservation:
Volegalea cochlidium  populations may face threats from habitat degradation, overharvesting for the shell trade, pollution, and climate change.
Conservation efforts aimed at protecting coastal habitats, regulating harvesting practices, and raising awareness about the importance of preserving marine biodiversity are essential for the long-term survival of Volegalea cochlidium and other marine species.
Overall, Volegalea cochlidium  contributes to the diversity and ecological functioning of tropical and subtropical marine ecosystems, and conservation efforts are necessary to ensure its continued existence in the wild.

The Giant Spindle Shell is a formidable predatory snail, with its massive shell and acidic drilling capabilities allowing it to feed on clams and other shelled mollusks. Its broad Indo-Pacific distribution and immense size make it a notable species in tropical marine ecosystems.