Strombus, a genus of marine Gasteropods, typical of the family Strombidae. Their shells, often called conch-shells, are well known, being often used as decorative objects and in the manufacture of cameos (see Vol. II. p. 675). Large numbers are exported from the West Indies and other tropical regions, and it is recorded that 300,000 fountain-shells (Strombus gigas) were brought to Liverpool in 1850. This species is the largest Gasteropod, the shell sometimes weighing 4 or 5 lb. The stromb-shell has a short conical spire and a much expanded outer lip, to which the popular name 'wing-shell' refers. The animals are allied to the cowries and whelks (Buccinum), and are very active, moving by short jumps. They feed on dead and decaying animal matter.