Just Curious: Conch Eyesight

[Potsy]

Hello Dr. Ron,

I find my fighting conch's eyes rather fascinating and was wondering how developed their vision is. Is it merely sensitive to shadows or can it discern separate shapes, colors, etc.? Just wondering.

Thanks

[rshimek]

Hi,

Strombid conchs (all species) have probably the best eyesight of the crawling snails. They have good "camera" eyes, with the ability to form and recognize images. The physics of such optics dictate the properties of the eyes, and pretty much this means the larger the eye, the better the vision. The larger conchs can see quite well.

The major predators on some of the Indo-Pacific conchs are cone snails, and it has been documented that if a conch sees an approaching cone snail it will flee. Most snail eyes are simply glorified shadow detectors, so the visual acuity seen in the conchs is nothing short of amazing.