Today we went out on the boat. It’s been a while since we’ve gone out because the weather has cooled off. We weren’t out for long, and stopped at some favorite beaches because the tide was out.
There wasn’t much to see, and then … there it was! A living horse conch. The bright orange snail was hanging out of the shell and I could see the operculum – the hard part that covers the opening when the conch goes back into it’s shell.
Click on the photos and they will enlarge.
Low tide is the best time to search for interesting sea life, but on Three Sisters there wasn’t much. Also the ground was very muddy and slippery. Water temp is only 67 degrees now (January) so we don’t swim this time of year. It was sunny and warm because there wasn’t much of a breeze.
It’s not the first time I’ve come across a living horse conch out on these muddy flats. I never get tired of seeing them and admiring their beauty. This one was only around 10 inches long. They can grow to be twice this size!
The snail did not move at all as I approached, and I hoped it wasn’t dead. After I took a few photos, I gently lifted the back end and sure enough it began to move, so I left it alone.
The shell of the conch was encrusted with barnacles and other things. When the tide comes back in, he will be just underwater, I suspect. This little island is off the beaten path, but there were markings of boats pulling up.
More from the blog
Camping at Rodman Campground in Palatka, Florida
Our recent camping trip took us to Rodman Campground in Palatka, Florida. It was about a 1.5 hour drive north for us. We have stayed at Salt Springs twice, and Rodman was just a bit further…
A Living Horse Conch in the Shallows
Photos of a living horse conch living in the shallows of the Indian River Lagoon.
Hillsborough River Camping Trip
Camping review of our two day trip to Hillsborough River State Campground near Tampa.
Quiet Day On The Boat
A hot and beautiful day on the boat took us to a remote river island, a stop in the ocean, and then to Ponce Inlet.
Pretty Gray Banded Tulip Shell
A quick little share of this pretty gray banded tulip shell found on a recent boating trip. Read more shelling stories on the blog
Our Second Camping Trip to Long Point Campground
A review of our second camping trip to Long Point in Melbourne Beach, Florida.
Pass it on
