The West Indian top shell (*Cittarium pica*), also known as "whelk" or "magpie shell," is a large marine gastropod found throughout the Caribbean Sea and the western Atlantic, prized for its edible meat and attractive, patterned shell. This species has long been a traditional food source in the region, and its harvesting supports small-scale fisheries, particularly in countries such as Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These nations are among the top harvesters, with local fishers collecting top shells from rocky shores and shallow reefs, often by hand. Due to overfishing and habitat loss, some areas have implemented regulations or seasonal closures to protect stocks, but the species remains an important part of coastal livelihoods and Caribbean culinary traditions.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.