Strawbery Fighting Conch (Strombus Luhuanus)

The Strawberry Fighting Conch is a unique and beneficial addition to any reef or marine aquarium. Known for its striking shell coloration, which features shades of pink, red, and orange, this conch not only adds visual interest but also plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean substrate by scavenging detritus and algae. Despite its name, the Strawberry Fighting Conch is peaceful and non-aggressive, spending most of its time grazing on the sand.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 4 inches.
• Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum, with a deep sand bed for grazing and burrowing.
• Diet: Omnivorous; primarily feeds on algae, detritus, and uneaten food in the substrate. It benefits from supplemental feeding with sinking pellets or algae wafers if natural food sources are scarce.
• Water Temp: 74-80°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; although named "fighting conch," this species is not aggressive and will coexist peacefully with other invertebrates and fish.
• Skill Level: Beginner; hardy and easy to care for, making it ideal for aquarists of all levels.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or invertebrates and is beneficial for keeping the substrate clean and free of excess algae.

Special Feature - Substrate Cleaner
The Strawberry Fighting Conch is highly effective at cleaning the substrate, as it spends most of its time on or just beneath the sand, consuming detritus, uneaten food, and algae. Its grazing behavior helps to maintain a clean and healthy environment in the aquarium, making it a valuable member of the tank's cleanup crew.

Compatibility Warning - Halloween Hermit Crabs
The Strawberry Fighting Conch should not be kept with Halloween Hermit Crabs, as these hermits may prey on the conch for its shell. Halloween Hermit Crabs are known to target conchs and other snails when they need a new shell, leading to potential predation on the conch.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Strawberry Fighting Conch has a beautiful, thick shell that displays vibrant shades of pink, red, and orange, making it stand out in any marine tank. Its shell coloration can vary slightly based on the individual and environmental conditions​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific region, the Strawberry Fighting Conch is commonly found in sandy areas around coral reefs, lagoons, and shallow waters. It prefers environments with plenty of sand for burrowing and grazing.