Queen Conch
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Wild populations of the Queen Conch have been devastated by overfishing; specimens in the aquarium trade are aquacultured. Matt Wittenrich
[edit] Overview
Characterized by large eyes with an evident iris and pupil, it alertly surveys its surroundings. The shell inside is pink, peach, yellow, or orange; the outside is drab green or gray, with large bumps or low spines on the rim of each whorl. The shell aperture will flare widely at sexual maturity. The body is olive or pale drab green.
Individuals less than 0.8 in. (2 cm) long often climb on rocks and aquarium walls, but larger, heavier conchs remain on the bottom substrate. Moves with a lurching motion.
Family: Strombidae
Other common name(s):
- Pink Conch
Native range:
Maximum length: 40 cm (16 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 380 L (100 gal)
Lighting: Must be sufficient to support healthy algal growth.
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Grazer on all sorts of microalgae. It needs a lot of open sand surface area. May be fed pelleted herbivore foods.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Harmless. Hermit crabs will kill small conchs.
[edit] Special Care
Needs a lot of algae; only feed when on sand. The Queen Conch will outgrow a small tank relatively rapidly.
| Common name | Queen Conch +, and Pink Conch + |
| Family | Strombidae + |
| Genus | Strombus + |
| Image credit | PH + |
| Lighting | Must be sufficient to support healthy algal growth. + |
| Maximum length | 16 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 100 gal + |
| Native range | Caribbean + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates + |
| Specific name | gigas + |
| Text credit | RLS + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |