Conch ID....reef safe....

[rovster]

I was out fishing this weekend and my son picked this up and wanted to put it in the tank. It's some type of conch or snail. Any ID experts know what this is and it's safe to put in the tank? Also is it even legal to take. I can still throw it back. Thanks!

 

[rovster]

Threw it back. Pretty sure it's a whelk. It was kinda big anyhow...

 

[Anim8me2]

Usually when the shell has points or raised apex it's not reef safe

 

[rovster]

Thanks! Yeah I did a little research and appears to be some kind of whelk. Super cool shell too. Not worth trying. Been thinking about adding either a cucumber or some conchs to stir the sand. When my son picked it up off a shallow sand bar that little lightbulb in my head went off. Glad I left it behind!

 

[dadummy]

looks like a lightning whelk

 

[billsreef]

Yup, Lightning Whelk. Cool snail, but predatory.

 

[nivram]

Rovster. I've found the fighting conchs to be good in my tank. Plus they like to bury themselves in the sand and poke their eyes out.

 

[rovster]

Where can I get them? Always looking out for them. Need some help with the sandbed!

 

[nivram]

Where can I get them? Always looking out for them. Need some help with the sandbed!

I got both of mine from Elite Marine Life in pompano Bach. They also are one of the stores that give members a discount with you valid membership card.

 

[Lacy]

Rovster. I've found the fighting conchs to be good in my tank. Plus they like to bury themselves in the sand and poke their eyes out.
View attachment 318904

How small is it or do you have a deep sand bed? Love the eyeball. :hmm4:

 

[nivram]

How small is it or do you have a deep sand bed? Love the eyeball. :hmm4:

The sand where I shot the eyeballs is probably about 2"-3" deep.

When I first got these guys the back of their shells were flat. As they grow, the back gets pointy. I never knew that. They do a good job of crawling around and eating algae off the sand and rocks. I've never seen these guys climb.

 

[Lacy]

What about using nassarius snails?

 

[rovster]

I have a few nassarius, but it's just not enough. Maybe I need more?

 

[Anim8me2]

Hydra has fighting conchs

 

[rovster]

Thanks guys! Now I gotta see how I can break away from the family for a few!

 

[billsreef]

Fighting Conch can be collected locally. Good excuse to go snorkeling in the bay somewhere Just got be sure about your ID, as the Queen's are no touch.