Fighting Conch

Looks how to spot one

Heavy spiral shell

A solid, chunky conch shell with a flared lip. Like other true conchs it has eyes on long stalks that peek out from under the shell.12

Personality what they are like

Despite the name, a gentle animal that ignores fish and corals. Males can squabble with other males of their own kind.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Spends its time ploughing through open sand looking for food, which keeps the sand bed turned over.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Has a big appetite, so add extra food in smaller tanks; keep nitrate low and avoid copper-based treatments.2

Home where they are happiest

Needs plenty of open, deep sand to forage in; one conch suits most reef tanks, while several need a larger system. Stable, fully marine water at about 22-26 C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity (specific gravity) 1.023-1.025 and dKH 8-12.2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An omnivore that eats detritus and algae from the sand; supplement with dried seaweed, small pieces of fish and quality frozen foods.2

Company who they like around

Peaceful with other tankmates; keep only one male unless the tank is large, as males can be territorial with each other.2

The story where it all began

Gmelin described the species in 1791. Its close resemblance to the West Indian fighting conch has kept scientists debating whether the two are separate species or forms of one.1

Recognised by the official bits

Taxonomy (via Wikipedia)

Described by Gmelin in 1791 (family Strombidae). Some authors treat it as a form of the West Indian fighting conch, Strombus pugilis, as the two are very similar.1