Stronbus snails

[h0bite]

What kind of conch(stombus or close family)we can find in our hobby ?
I got a 120 gallons tnak whith a 5inchs sand bed. I want 2-3 of these snails.
Thanks
David

 

[pagojoe]

Strombus luhuanus is fairly hardy, and is generally available. They only grow to a little over two inches, so 2 or 3 in your tank should be fine. Strombus gibberulus is another small one that is hardy, but they spend most of their time buried. Both of those species are Indo-Pacific. The Florida/Caribbean species Strombus alatus and S. pugilis, and their Panamic cousin S. gracilior, are also good choices, but grow a little larger.

http://www.gastropods.com/5/Shell_205.shtml
http://www.gastropods.com/0/Shell_210.shtml
http://www.gastropods.com/9/Shell_1329.shtml
http://www.gastropods.com/4/Shell_214.shtml
http://www.gastropods.com/0/Shell_1330.shtml

Cheers,



Don

 

[h0bite]

Thanks a lot! I will ask my LFS for them.
One of them have some LAMBIS ARTHRITICA now.
They look great...can I keep it in aquarium you think ?

 

[pagojoe]

Yep, but the Lambis species are generally not as easy to keep alive as some of the other strombids. You might have to try to grow various species of macroalgae to supplement the diatom/microalgae diet? I would be interested to know how successful you are in keeping one. Most Lambis species don't live more than 4 or 5 years in the wild, although L. arthritica might live a little longer since it's larger with a heavier shell.

Cheers,



Don

 

[h0bite]

I bought 2 this morning...they are around 3 inchs long, they move fast in my tank. They are burried in sand now. I read on internet thta I can feed them with nori. I also have some halimeda and caulerpa in my tank. On the sand.
Can they eat some shrimp and clam too?
Thanks
David

 

[pagojoe]

Nope. Other than the diatoms and microscopic life living on the algae they eat, strombids are strict vegetarians.