Florida Fighting Conch

The Florida Fighting Conch (Strombus alatus) is a large, hardy, and highly active reef invertebrate native to Florida and the Caribbean. Despite its formidable common name, it is entirely peaceful toward other tank inhabitants — the 'fighting' refers to combat between rival males in the wild, not aggression toward tank mates. It is a powerful sand-stirrer that literally bulldozes through sand beds using its muscular foot, consuming film algae, cyanobacteria (red slime), detritus, and diatoms as it goes. This burrowing activity oxygenates the sand bed and prevents the accumulation of toxic anaerobic pockets, making it an invaluable functional member of the clean-up crew for aquariums with deep sand beds.

Requires an aquarium with a fine sand bed of at least 5 cm depth for burrowing and foraging. Feed on natural algae growth; supplement with dried seaweed or algae wafers if natural growth is insufficient. The conch will right itself if overturned, but repeated overturning stresses the animal — ensure good flow but not so strong as to repeatedly tip it. Needs at least 150 liters with ample sandy floor area. Peaceful with all fish and other invertebrates. Avoid copper-based medications.