dwarf/ringed cowrie care

[fermentedhiker]

I was adding some diversity to my cuc recently and placed an order from reefcleaners(my second btw) Last time is was just the usuals(nerites,ceriths, dwarf ceriths). This time I wanted to get some more interesting stuff. So I picked up some limpets,zig zag periwinkle, ringed cowrie, serpent star) The serpent star was DOA(was given credit). The cowries both moved a little after being added to the tank(not much just a couple of inches), but I'm pretty sure neither ended up making it. I've found both flipped over and after righting them I don't see any movement(after 24hrs). The shipping was express and I picked them up at the PO instead of waiting for them to be delivered. The heat pack was still warm even though the livestock bags didn't feel warm at all.

Are cowrie's particularly delicate shippers? Has it just been too cold, even for express shipping? I'd like to try them again at some point although I'm unlikely to order from reefcleaners again for this tank just because it's a nano and I'll never need enough to justify the shipping cost for a couple of critters.

anyone have experience keeping these?

 

[julie180]

I got 5 of them from reefcleaners a couple of weeks ago and think 1 made it. As far as I know, they are algae grazers and don't require anything special. I had a tiger cowrie for several years and never did anything except evict him to the refug when he started feasting on zoas and shrooms.

 

[fermentedhiker]

I wonder if they are just sensitive shippers and can't handle the temperature drop during shipping in the winter(even with express).