Common name: Florida fighting conch

General information

The Florida Fighting Conch, Strombus alatus, is a species of large sea snail that is popular among marine aquarium enthusiasts. Despite its name, it is not typically aggressive, but it can use its muscular foot to flip itself over or plow through the substrate. This species is known for its beautiful shell, which can vary in color from creamy white to brown with orange or pink hues.

Care

Florida Fighting Conchs are excellent sand sifters and are valued for their ability to clean and aerate the sand bed in a reef aquarium. They are relatively easy to care for, requiring a tank with a deep sand bed and plenty of algae or detritus to graze on. They are sensitive to high nitrate levels and copper-based medications.

Reproduction

In the wild, Florida Fighting Conchs lay egg masses on hard substrates. In captivity, breeding is less common, but with a group of individuals and stable tank conditions, it is possible to observe spawning behavior.

Habitat

Native to the Gulf of Mexico and the Western Atlantic, Florida Fighting Conchs are commonly found in shallow waters, seagrass beds, and sandy bottoms. They are adapted to a range of salinities and can often be found in estuaries as well as fully marine environments.