Snail (sand)

Fighting conch

Strombus alatus

Group: Snail (sand)
Care level: Intermediate
With corals: Reef safe

What does the fighting conch do in a reef tank?

Algae and detritus on and in the sand; needs a lot of plant matter typical, check

With corals: Yes

How many should you keep?

Sources give sand depth, not numbers: 5 to 7.5 cm or more typical, check

One US gallon is 3.785 litres and one UK gallon is 4.546 litres, so a "per gallon" rule depends on whose gallon it means.

What can go wrong?

Starves in new or sparse tanks; can bulldoze loose frags; may enter uncovered intakes typical, check

Which tankmates are risky?

Fish

Fish that may eat or harass it.

None of the fish in this guide is known to eat or harass it.

Other invertebrates

Invertebrates it may harm, or that may harm it.

Take care (2)

Blue leg hermit crabBlue leg hermit crabs kill snails to take their shells; give spare empty shells.
Large hermitsLarge hermitss kill snails to take their shells; give spare empty shells.

These checks follow the reasons fish and invertebrates clash: same species or genus, similar shape, mouth size, temperament, food, burrows, tank size and the order they are added. Individual animals differ; every source agrees on that.