About Lobatus raninus (Gmelin, 1791)
The maximum recorded shell length of Lobatus raninus is between 121 mm and 130 mm. Like other species in the genus Lobatus, this species has a robust, somewhat heavy and solid shell that features a distinct stromboid notch. The dorsal surface of its body whorl is decorated with characteristic coarse spiral ridges. The posterior expansion of its flaring outer lip is always lower than the spire. The shell is brownish with several scattered white spots, and both the inner and outer lips are cream or white. This marine species is distributed across the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Lesser Antilles. Lobatus raninus inhabits shallow water near seagrass beds. It has been recorded at depths ranging from 0.3 m, the minimum recorded depth, to 55 m, the maximum recorded depth. Like other species in the genus Strombus, Lobatus raninus is a known herbivore.
