Invert Spotlight: Conch

[Maritimer]

I've been trying to ID this guy I found in my tank. Is it a Spider conch?

KChapmanJr has the right of it ... this guy's a murex.

Cool snails, but IIRC fairly predatory.

~Bruce

 

[melypr1985]

I totally agree with you on this one! I never knew or heard of them for over a year. I happened to be going through new tank syndrome and was looking to up the cleanup crew from 3 astreas to 8. Going from a 20g to now a 40B. I was recommended the fighting conch. The tank looked like a coating of rust from diatoms. One week later what a difference. 1 conch and a red tuxedo urchin. Ya honestly don't need much more for a nano tank. The only thing that worries me is now that the diatoms are gone and the sand bed is buffed clean. I respect what it did and feel like it is not getting the nutrition it needs. I see it climbing the glass now. I don't know if it has exhausted its food option.

You could try supplementing his diet with Nori tied to a rock on the sandbed, or using an algae clip.

 

[saltyhog]

Not sure why my picture didn't load. This is my Tiger conch eating film algae off the glass.

 

[Bob E]

I didn't know these guys even existed. I think I may have to plan for one next year or so

 

[TheLadyCrash]

I miss my little elephant man

 

[WWIII]

I have 4 of these in my 200 gallon display. They are very cool and great at their job! Do a very nice job of stirring the sandbed and cleaning low lying algae. Some days they bury themselves in the sand, but most of the time they are cruising the sandbed, very active! Thanks for doing a spotlight article on these!

 

[Flashy Fins]

When I moved tanks and set things up with new sand, diatoms appeared, but they were gone within a week with no interference from me. This guy was likely a huge help with that. Keeps my sand bed looking nice and white!

 

[LbulletM]

Are conchs known for flipping or covering frags in sand?

 

[Scubabeth]

Are conchs known for flipping or covering frags in sand?

Our tiger conch doesn't do either; such a helpful little guy!

 

[LbulletM]

So I was thinking about this article today (still trying to get a fighting conch for my current small tank) and when I upgrade, I really want a Melanurus Wrasse. I know they don't tend to get along with CUCs.... you know, on account of eating them... but was wondering how a larger "snail" like a conch would hold up against them. If I can't have a typical CUC, I'd need something to stir up the sand bed.

 

[jd371]

So I was thinking about this article today (still trying to get a fighting conch for my current small tank) and when I upgrade, I really want a Melanurus Wrasse. I know they don't tend to get along with CUCs.... you know, on account of eating them... but was wondering how a larger "snail" like a conch would hold up against them. If I can't have a typical CUC, I'd need something to stir up the sand bed.

I know it really depends on the fish, but my Melanurus doesn't bother my Conch or any other of my CUC . The only thing he's gone after was some peppermint I bought to take care of some Aptasia. I wouldn't hesitate on getting a Conch, does a great job on my sand.

 

[B-ridge]

Anyone know where I could buy 4? I see reefcleaners doesn't have any right now

 

[Scubabeth]

Anyone know where I could buy 4? I see reefcleaners doesn't have any right now

Reefwise (https://reefwisesales.com/collections/inverts) has some now; we ordered inverts and fish from this vendor, and all have been hearty and healthy.

 

[zachxlutz]

I recently added a Florida Fighting Conch to my 120 gallon tank. Such a cool creature to watch go about his business.

 

[melypr1985]

I recently added a Florida Fighting Conch to my 120 gallon tank. Such a cool creature to watch go about his business.

Awesome picture!! Thanks for adding it for us!

 

[Coralfuture]

This isn't a new thread but its the deciding factor that yeah I'm gonna get some conch's tomorrow from my LFS that has them in for the first time I have ever seen them in person! I will get a pic when I pick them up!

 

[Instigate]

I have 4 of these in my 200 gallon display. They are very cool and great at their job! Do a very nice job of stirring the sandbed and cleaning low lying algae. Some days they bury themselves in the sand, but most of the time they are cruising the sandbed, very active! Thanks for doing a spotlight article on these!

Do they bother the trachy? Have any fungia? Anyone have these with sand dwelling corals with no problems?

 

[WWIII]

Do they bother the trachy? Have any fungia? Anyone have these with sand dwelling corals with no problems?

I have 4 conch in my 200 gallon tank. They have never bothered any of the corals. I have the trachy, zoas, chalice, acans, torch, all within their reach and never had a problem.

 

[ThunderGoose]

You want photos? My avatar is one of my sexy shrimp riding my tiger conch around the tank. Love this guy. I do supplement with Nori several times a week. It's fun watching all the snails come "running" at feeding time.

 

[Diego.28]

These guys are really fantastic clean up crew members and super interesting. I have one myself, I believe it's a tiger conch. One of my favorite things in the tank! I wonder why they don't get more attention... Information on them seems to be very scarce. Any thoughts?