Queen Conch Snail

Queen Conch Snail, Strombus gigas, has an extremely recognizable shell to anyone who has visited a beach in the southern United States or the Caribbean. Its shell is often featured in jewelry or decorated and sold. In smaller (and living) form, these snails are attractive in the home aquarium and are quite functional cleaners. The Queen Conch can grow to a maximum potential size around twelve inches, so is best suited for aquariums that can accommodate its growth. It is typically sold at a small tank raised size, so it should be many years before its size may become a problem. As detrivores, members of the Strombus genus help keep the substrate clean and aerated by burrowing. Other recommended sand stirrers are noted as Related Products. Pockets of harmful gases may be released by this action. The Queen Conch will not bother fellow invertebrates but when smaller, it may be picked on by some larger and more aggressive fish. If the cleaners of the aquarium are being “too efficient”, attaching pieces of dried seaweed sheets between pieces of Live Rock will prevent starvation until the algae supply is replenished.

Approximate arrival size of Queen Conch Snail: .75 to 1.5 in.