Fighting Conch
(Strombus luhanus)

Descrição

The common name “Fighting Conch” is often applied to *Strombus luhanus*, but also to *Strombus pugilis* (West Indian Fighting Conch). The user specifically provided *Strombus luhanus*. It is also sometimes referred to as the Strawberry Conch. LiveAquaria states “The beneficial Fighting Conch is not as aggressive as its name implies. Though a male Fighting Conch can be territorial towards other males of its own kind, the Fighting Conch is peaceful towards other tankmates.” This suggests the “fighting” in the name might refer to intraspecific aggression, not aggression towards other tankmates.

Let’s gather the specific data points for *Strombus luhanus*:

* **Scientific Name:** *Strombus luhanus* (also seen as *Conomurex luhuanus*, with *Strombus luhuanus* often listed as an unaccepted name. For a product description, I will use the provided scientific name *Strombus luhanus* but note the common name “Fighting Conch” which sometimes covers other *Strombus* species and variants).
* **Common Name/Variant:** Fighting Conch, also known as Strawberry Conch. I will use Fighting Conch as the primary and mention Strawberry Conch as an alternate.
* **Maximum Size:** Up to 8 cm, some sources say up to 4 inches (approx 10 cm). I’ll use 8 cm as a conservative, well-cited maximum. Common length is 5 cm.
* **Origin:** Indo-West Pacific, tropical and subtropical waters in Indo-pacific Ocean from Southern Honshu, Japan, to South-east Australia. Western Pacific to Japan and Queensland.
* **pH Range:** 8.1-8.4. Some suggest 8.0-8.4, or simply stable parameters. I will use 8.1-8.4.
* **Temperature:** 24-28°C (75-82°F), 74-80°F (23-27°C), 72-78°F (22-25.5°C), 75-80°F (24-27°C). I will go with 24-28°C (approx 75-82°F) as it covers the wider consensus.
* **Lifespan:** Max reported age: 6 years, 10 years or more with proper care, “lived for a long time… 2 years old”. I’ll use 6+ years as a realistic range.
* **Swimming Zone:** Bottom (spends most time in or on sand).
* **Care Level:** Easy. Beginner.
* **Diet:** Omnivore, primarily feeds on algae, detritus, and uneaten food in the substrate. Benefits from supplemental feeding with sinking pellets, algae wafers, fresh fish, dried seaweed, high quality frozen foods, spirulina, nori. They are effective grazers, consuming various types of algae, including green hair algae and diatoms.
* **Tank Size:** At least 20 gallons (approx 75L). 30 gallons (approx 115L) minimum with a deep sand bed. 200 liters minimum from one source. I’ll use 115L (30 gallons) as it aligns with the “deep sand bed” requirement and provides better context for larger species, while smaller tanks might support a single, smaller specimen for a time. Considering they can reach 8cm and require a deep sand bed for foraging, a larger tank is better. I will go with 115L.
* **Appearance & Behavior:** Conical-shaped shell, color can vary including orange, brown, pink, or yellow, often with distinct spiral stripes. Has a long, slender siphon used for foraging. Active marine snail that feeds on algae and detritus on the seafloor, moves along the surface of the shell, leaving a trail in the sand. Praised for their hardiness, excellent sand sifting abilities to clean and aerate the substrate. Generally peaceful with other tankmates, though males can be territorial towards other males. Spends most of its time on or just beneath the sand. They move with an awkward leaping motion. Known for their cute little eyeballs and long snout.
* **Compatibility:** Generally peaceful with fish, corals, and other invertebrates. Avoid housing with aggressive species that may harm them, specifically Halloween Hermit Crabs. Can be housed with multiple specimens in larger systems with ample sand bed; otherwise, single specimens are suited for any size reef aquarium. Some sources recommend single specimens unless in very large tanks due to potential fighting over food/territory, especially with other male conchs. I will advise caution with multiples unless the tank is very large.

Confidence Score: 5/5 – Information seems consistent across multiple reliable sources (LiveAquaria, SeaLifeBase, Reef2Reef forums with experienced aquarists, academic papers cited on Wikipedia/ResearchGate, dedicated aquarium sites).

Strategizing complete. I will now generate the response.

Fighting Conch: Your Aquarium’s Dynamic Sand Sifter

Add a diligent clean-up crew member to your marine aquarium with the captivating Fighting Conch! This active invert will transform your substrate, promoting a healthier environment.

Overview
The Fighting Conch (*Strombus luhanus*), also known as the Strawberry Conch, is a fascinating marine gastropod known for its conical shell, which can display shades of orange, pink, yellow, or brown, often with spiral patterns. Equipped with a distinctive long siphon and curious stalked eyes, this snail actively moves across your sand bed using a unique “leaping” motion. It diligently sifts through the substrate, keeping it aerated and clean by consuming detritus and algae.

Care Level
Considered easy to care for, the Fighting Conch is an excellent choice for beginner to experienced marine aquarists. It is generally peaceful with most tank inhabitants, including corals and fish, making it a valuable addition to your cleanup crew. While typically docile, male Fighting Conchs can show territoriality towards other males in smaller enclosures, so plan your stocking carefully.

Tank Essentials
A minimum aquarium size of 115 litres (30 gallons) is recommended, ideally with a deep sand bed of at least 5 cm for optimal foraging and burrowing. Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for their well-being. Ensure your system is well-established before introducing this invertebrate.

Diet
These omnivorous snails are primary detritivores and herbivores, constantly grazing on algae and leftover food particles within your sand. Supplement their diet with high-quality sinking pellets, algae wafers, and occasional frozen foods to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.

Why Buy From Us
When you buy Fighting Conch online from us, you’re choosing healthy aquarium fish responsibly sourced and humanely shipped. We prioritize the well-being of every invert, ensuring they arrive ready to thrive in your marine ecosystem. Our expert team is always available to support your responsible fishkeeping journey.

• Scientific Name: Strombus luhanus
• Common Name / Variant: Fighting Conch / Strawberry Conch
• Maximum Size: 8 cm
• Origin: Indo-West Pacific
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• Lifespan: 6+ years
• Swimming Zone: Bottom

Add a natural sand-sifting marvel to your reef tank today!