Florida Horse conchs and whelks in captivity

[FishyMel]

How come I never see animals such as lightning whelks, florida horse conchs, pear whelks, or fighting conchs in home aquaria? I'm going to florida for a month and thinking of bringing home a couple friends for my reef tank. Could they bring disease? Why aren't they in fish stores?

 

[philter4]

They are available from time to time, ORA has FL fighting conchs captive raised on their lists. The main reason IMO is they have specialized diets and most hide out. On top of that the horse conch gets big and will knock things over. If you provide the right food, far instance some conch eat urichins, they do well in tanks.

I live in FL, where are you planning to visit? There are lots of better/cooler animals to collect here in S FL then a few conchs.

 

[greenbean36191]

Well the first three are predators that would make short work of your cleaning crew. FL fighting conchs are very common in the hobby, usually as aquacultured specimens. As long as you collect legally and are sure you're getting the species you think you are, a fighting conch makes a good addition to a large tank. In most areas of the state though, they aren't very easy to find.

 

[Grunt]

As greenbean said first three on your list are predatory. Also, Florida horse conchs can reach up to 30 inches.

Cheers

 

[GQ22]

ive eaten a florida horse conch once. got a big old 25 incher and had me some backed escargot

 

[GQ22]

Just kidding btw