The Lambi (Strombus gigas) is an invertebrate belonging to the gastropod family. It is also a magnificent shell that goes by different names depending on the country (Caracol rosa in Mexico, Botuto in Costa Rica, Caracol pala in Colombia...). It was widely used by the Amerindians, who used the shell as a tool and took the flesh to grill it and make a meal. In Guadeloupe, slaves used the Lambi shell to communicate from hill to hill. They announced future events (wedding, death, revolt...). The most beautiful Lambi shells were used as decoration in houses and on funerary monuments. Many graves in the marine cemetery of Port Louis are decorated with Lambi shells. The Lambi produces a magnificent small pink pearl that is found on some jewelry. Today the Lambi is highly prized in Guadeloupe both in traditional cooking (Lambi fricassee) and for its shell, which is lined inside with pink mother-of-pearl. The shell is sold to tourists as a souvenir item. It can be found in some craft shops and at markets, but care must be taken with importation to mainland France. The Lambi may be sold shucked only if its weight exceeds 250 g. The Lambi is a protected species under Article 16 of the fishing regulations in Guadeloupe. Only professional fishermen are authorized to fish it from October 1 to January 31. The Lambi is also protected by the 1976 Washington Convention.
Guadeloupe .net
