A gastropod mollusk, which is a mollusk that has a single shell containing a single muscle. The colorful shell of this mollusk contains a clam-like flavored meat that must be tenderized because of its toughness. Conch is commonly found in the southern waters of the Florida Keys and the Caribbean. The peak season for harvesting Conch is generally during the summer and then sold in open markets or at Italian and Chinese food markets. Conch is eaten raw in salads, tenderized, then sautéed or is sometimes used in chowders. It may be mistaken for whelk, which is related but belongs to a different mollusk family. However, abalone or whelk can be used as a substitute if necessary.