Fighting Conch Care?

[Salamander]

I was thinking of picking up a fighting conch (Strombus altus) from the LFS but I was wondering what success people have had with them. What so they eat? I find conflicting info, some saying they are omnivores needing a DSB to hunt and feed, while others say they are herbivores. Anybody really know?

Thanks

Salamander

 

[redFishblue]

They eat microalgae and also detritus on the sand bed. No feed to feed them, they forage for themselves.

 

[Snail Guy]

Hey Salamander

Conchs are herbivores with a voracious appetite.

Tank sizes and conditions vary. Perhaps your system is producing enough algae to provide for a fighting conch over the short term. The real question is whether or not it will sustain them over the long term. If not, you may end up having to feed them, as I ended up having to do with larger species.

Perhaps someone else may want to comment as I have not kept a fighting conch. But I strongly suspect their care is no different.

Consider keeping a smaller species. Just add a few and see how well they manage things. If over a short period of time you discover there is still too much algae, just add a few more until you find the right balance.

The downside. Smaller species may be harder to obtain. They are susceptable to prey from crabs. Their lifespan may not be as long. That said, after getting the peskly little crabs out of my system, I have several small guys going strong for well over a year now.

Cheers,
Bob

 

[Salamander]

I have a quite a clean up crew already in my tank. Turbo, cerith, nasarrius, astrea and margartia snails....Not to mention two shrimp and a emerald crab.

I just don't want to add a creature in my tank that will slowly be tortured with starvation, just so i can have another addition to my tank. That's not really my gig. I want 'em to thrive, not just survive!

I was also worried that it might be too carnivorous and compete with everything else....Guess thats not a problem though.

Thanks

 

[Snail Guy]

Arghh, forgive me, I meant to agree....
YES, some species will feed on detritus too!
Anyhow, I share your viewpoints Salamander.
Cheers!

 

[zzpw3x]

I have a fighting conch in my 10G nano - his shell is about 1" in length. He has kept the sandbed very clean for about 5 months and seems healthy.

I do nothign special for him, he is always active and hunting. I know that 5 months is not a sign of success, but so far so good.

Dale