Fighter Conch

Fighting Conch
Strombus alatus or Strombus gigas (depending on origin)

Don’t let the name fool you — Fighting Conchs are peaceful, reef-safe snails that are excellent at keeping your sand bed clean and well-oxygenated. With their heavy, spiral shell and distinctive “hopping” motion, these snails add utility and personality to your reef tank.

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Easy

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Color Form: Beige to tan with orange, pink, or brown markings

• Diet: Omnivore – eats algae, detritus, and leftover food

• Reef Compatible: ✅ Yes

• Water Parameters:

  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025

  • Temperature: 72–78°F

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

• Max Size: 3–4 inches

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Why We Like Them:

• Excellent sand-sifters — keep substrate clean and healthy

• Distinct “hopping” movement is fun to watch

• Won’t bother corals or other inverts

• Long-lived and hardy when well-fed

🌱 Pro Tip:
Fighting Conchs need a sand bed at least 1–2 inches deep and a constant food supply (algae or detritus). In very clean tanks, supplement with algae wafers or sinking pellets to keep them healthy.