Beihai Crown Conch

Beihai Crown Conch

　　Beihai produces crown conches. These conches are not only aesthetically pleasing and can be crafted into various handicrafts, but they are also a renowned local dish. Crown conches are mainly found in the Indian Ocean–Pacific region, inhabiting coral sand bottoms. Their beautifully shaped shells make them ideal for home decoration and display.

　　 Introduction to Crown Conch

　　 Also known as the Triton's Trumpet, the crown conch is one of the world’s four most famous seashells, ranking third. It earned the name “Triton’s Trumpet” because its shape resembles the helmets worn by ancient Chinese Tang Dynasty warriors. This magnificent large sea snail in the ocean world has a large, heavy shell with a uniquely beautiful form, reaching up to 30 centimeters in both length and height. The shell surface ranges in color from grayish-white to golden yellow, exhibiting a metallic sheen, while the inner and outer lips display orange-yellow shield patterns. It is a treasured item for home display and collection.

　　 The crown conch shell is heavy, featuring a large, thick columellar shield. The spire is low, with longitudinal ridges arranged at right angles to each other. The shoulder area has a row of large nodules, beneath which lie three raised spiral ribs. The shell surface is covered with rows of small pits, and the outer lip is extremely thick with several large teeth in the middle. The columella has some strong wavy folds, and the shell surface is gray or white, with brown stripes behind the outer lip. The teeth of the outer lip and the columella are orange in color.

　　 This item is naturally formed, and slight variations in color and pattern may occur between individual pieces.

　　 A large sea snail. Its shell is large and heavy, reaching up to 30 centimeters in both length and height, with colors ranging from grayish-white to golden yellow and exhibiting a metallic sheen. Its shape resembles the crown of the Tang Dynasty, hence its name. The spire is low. The shoulder area features 5 to 7 horn-like protrusions. Both the inner and outer lips are flared, showing orange-yellow shield-like patterns. The inner edge of the outer lip has 5 to 7 teeth.

　　 Among the Mesogastropoda, there is a family of mollusks with particularly precious shells. Their common traits include large individual shells, unique and beautiful shapes, making them prized for home display and collection, and they often come with high market value. One such example is the Triton's Trumpet (Cassis cornuta), of which there are now over 80 species. Another member of this group is the Volute, which also has a cap-like shape with raised bumps on the shell surface—smooth and translucent.

　　 These mollusk species typically have a low spire, an inflated shell, and a plump body whorl. They usually feature nodules, ribs, or longitudinal ridges. Males and females have distinct forms and prefer sandy seabeds. Most feed on sea urchins. They are named for their flared inner lips, resembling hat rims, and their overall shape, which resembles the hats worn by monks during the Tang Dynasty.

　　 The Triton's Trumpet resembles the helmets of ancient Chinese warriors and is found around the Xiaoliuqiu area. They generally inhabit shallow seas and have a diet that includes echinoderms. The outer lip of the shell is highly flared, and female conches are noticeably larger than males. Their shells are suitable for carving.

　　 In China, they are distributed in Taiwan and the Xisha Islands. They mostly live on sandy seabeds at depths of 1 to 20 meters. The meat is edible, the shell is ornamental, and it can also be used as material for carved crafts.

　　 Beihai produces crown conches.