Florida Fighting Conch
Lobatus alatus (formerly Strombus alatus) • Invertebrate body fossil (Gastropod shell)
Geological Period
Pleistocene to Holocene
Estimated Age
0.01 to 2.5 million years
Preservation Type
Subfossil preservation via recrystallization and original shell material retention
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; shows some weathering/chalkiness on the outer whorl but retains overall structural integrity and clear morphological features.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Family: Strombidae, Genus: Strombus (Lobatus)
Morphological Description
Conical gastropod shell with a high spire, featuring prominent knobs on the shoulder of the whorls. The aperture is long and narrow with a thickened outer lip that flares slightly, typical of the Strombidae family.
Rock Matrix
None; specimen appears clean. Often found in shell marl or loose sandy deposits like the Caloosahatchee Formation.
Formation & Location
Bermont Formation or Caloosahatchee Formation; commonly found in Florida, USA, and the Gulf Coast.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 7-10 cm in length, which is a standard adult size for this species.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $15.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$10.00 - $25.00 USD (typically sold in bulk lots at auction)
Rarity Assessment
Common; high abundance in Floridian fossil beds and coastal deposits.
Scientific Significance
Provides data on late Cenozoic marine ecosystems and serves as a stratigraphic marker for Quaternary coastal deposits in the Southeastern United States.
Preparation Recommendations
Mechanical cleaning with a soft brush; do not use harsh acids. Store in a dry, stable environment to prevent 'Byne's disease' shell degradation.
Notable Features
Distinctive knobbed spire and characteristic 'stromboid notch' near the anterior end of the outer lip.