New Invasive Species Along the Florida Panhandle – the Thrush Cowrie

They continue to come.  Invasive species have always been a problem in Florida and many of the south Florida species are moving north.  One of these is a new marine snail – the thrush cowrie.

This snail is from the Red Sea and Indian Ocean and has been dispersing across the oceans for some time now.  Their larva are planktonic and can be carried by the current but are also believed to be dispersed via ships ballast.  They were first reported along the eastern coast of Florida in 2022 and have recently been found along the Florida panhandle.

They are most abundant in waters less than 25’ feeding on vegetation but secrete their eggs on hard substrate like jetties and seawalls.  If you find this snail, please remove it from the water and report it to your Sea Grant Agent at the local Extension Office.  Information we would like when reporting includes the date found, time, location (latitude and longitude if known), water depth, how many, live or dead, your name, and any comments you would like to include.

The thrush cowrie.
Photo: FWC.