Pacific Triton Conch Shells 11" Atlantic Triton mounted on driftwood

The giant triton is a sea snail, with a large, spindle-shaped shell that is usually white and yellow/brown in colour. These snails can reach up to around 2ft, making them one of the largest mollusc species in the world. They are famously known for being able to eat the venomous Crown-of-Thorns Starfish.   

Giant tritons are found in the Indo-Pacific Oceans, including the Red Sea. They reside in coral reefs.  

These large sea snails are known to sense and give chase to their prey, consisting of starfish (including the infamous crown-of-thorns starfish) and other molluscs. Though starfish can detect and run from incoming prey, tritons are faster. Once the triton has grabbed its prey with its muscular foot, it uses its serrated radula to tear through skin and release paralysing saliva. From then, the triton feeds slowly. With smaller prey, the triton will swallow it whole, spitting out unwanted parts later.