Florida fighting conch
(Strombus alatus)

Description

Florida Fighting Conch: Your Aquarium’s Ultimate Sand Sifter

Add the diligent Florida Fighting Conch to your marine aquarium and watch it transform your substrate! These peaceful invertebrates are essential for a pristine, healthy sand bed.

Overview
The Florida Fighting Conch (*Strombus alatus*) is a captivating marine snail, reaching up to 11 cm. Its thick, spiral shell displays beautiful variations from yellow and orange to dark reddish-brown, often mottled with unique patterns. Despite its formidable name, “fighting” refers to male breeding behavior, not aggression towards tank mates. Equipped with independent, stalked eyes and a long, flexible snout, this conch actively sifts through your sand, making it a highly efficient detritus and algae eater.

Care Level
Easy. The Florida Fighting Conch is renowned for its peaceful temperament, making it an excellent, reef-safe addition to community marine aquariums. They coexist well with various fish, corals, and other invertebrates. Ensure sufficient space and food, and be mindful of potential predators like puffers, triggers, or larger hermit crabs that might eye their shell.

Tank Essentials
A minimum tank size of 90 liters is recommended for a single Florida Fighting Conch, with larger tanks preferred for multiple individuals or extensive foraging. A deep sand bed (at least several centimetres) is crucial for their natural burrowing and sifting behaviour. Maintain stable specific gravity between 1.023-1.026, a pH range of 8.1-8.4, and a temperature of 24-29°C.

Diet
These omnivorous scavengers are voracious eaters, primarily consuming detritus, algae (including hair, green, and diatoms), and bacteria from your substrate. Supplement their diet with high-quality marine pellets, algae wafers, dried seaweed, blanched vegetables, or small pieces of fresh fish to ensure optimal nutrition.

Why Buy From Us
When you buy Florida Fighting Conch online from us, you’re choosing healthy aquarium invertebrates meticulously quarantined and responsibly sourced. We ensure each specimen arrives in peak condition, ready to contribute to your tank’s cleanliness and vitality. Trust our commitment to quality and ethical practices for your aquatic ecosystem.

• Scientific Name: Strombus alatus
• Common Name / Variant: Florida Fighting Conch
• Maximum Size: 11 cm
• Origin: Western Atlantic (North Carolina to Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean)
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 24–29°C
• Lifespan: Up to 10 years
• Swimming Zone: Bottom

Enhance your reef aquarium’s cleanup crew—add a Florida Fighting Conch to your cart today!