[framerguy]

This is the fourth and last volume (by me) on snails. To read my reference list see volume 1. There are over 125,000 known species of snails and I have tried to limit my information to varieties commonly offered in the aquarium trade. This volume deals with one beneficial variety, then speaks about a dangerous genus SW aquarists should be aware of: cone snails.

Shelled snails belong to the Class Gastropoda (gastro-poda- stomach foot)

All use calcium to build their shells, so calcium levels in aquariums containing prosobranch (shelled) gastropods should be in the 380-450 range.

All invertebrates are extremely sensitive to changes in water chemistry and must be acclimated very slowly. A drip line acclimation of a minimum two hours is critical for long life. Dr. Shimek recommends 5 to 10 hours of acclimations for snails.

most of the sources agree that one to two snails per 3 to 5 gallons is sufficient. A variety of snails is better than one species to ensure all of the jobs they do get done.

For each snail listed I will give a Genus and common name, maximum size (Sz), minimum tank size (MTS), food and feeding (FF), Reef Compatibility (RC), and care notes.

Snails covered in Volume 1 included: Cirith, Astraea, Nassarius
Volume 2: Margarita snails, Tonga snails, bumblebee snails
Volume 3: Abalone, Trochus , Nerite
Volume 4: will include fighting conch, and cone snails


Strombus alatus, Strombus sp. (fighting conch)
SZ: up to 4”
MTS: 100 gal
FF: herbivorous. Grazes on all sorts of algae
RC: A good grazer, harmless
Despite its name the Fighting Conch is a peaceful species and not aggressive. It moves with a lurching hop if threatened. It needs a lot of light to support good algae growth as this snail needs lots of food. It will starve if there are other herbivores sharing their sand, which they also need lots of. They often bury themselves in the sand for a week or more. Hermit crabs will kill and eat them. This is a good snail but needs lots of room and food so be aware before purchasing this creature. I will also include the Strombus Gigas (the Queen Conch) here as it’s characteristics are similar but it can reach 16” in the home aquarium and will outgrow small aquariums quickly.

Conus species; Cone Snails:

This is a genus that every aquarist should recognize as some varieties are DEADLY TO HUMANS.
Conus is one the largest animal genus with several thousand described species, although many of these are now believed to be varieties of the same species and experts believe the true number of species is around 600, which still makes it a very large genus. Their body shape has named them as they are shaped like cones with the apex (pointed end) is the head or front of the animal. The aperture (opening) runs the length of the animal and is often slit like. They are quite heavy and range in size from the size of acorns to the size of a mans fist. They are found in all tropical seas in shallow waters on reefs, reef flats and reef sand beds.
Feeding: All cones are predatory animals and often specialize in one of three groups: worms, snails, or fishes. They spear their prey with a harpoon-like tooth that functions like a hypodermic needle. When approaching their prey, the tooth is released from an internal quiver, is passed out of the mouth and gripped by the tubular proboscis which surrounds the mouth like a long tubular lip. When the prey moves close enough internal muscles fill the tooth with a neurotoxin venom. The tooth is rammed into the prey which quickly dies and is eaten. This tooth can penetrate gloves and wetsuits. Cones are typically slow moving, usually inches per day, but when they attack it is with fury and quickness.
Dangers: Most cones are harmless to aquarists and will live well in normal reef aquarium conditions, especially the worm eating varieties which can live on a steady diet of earthworms. The snail eating varieties will slowly track down, sting and remove all grazing snails from a tank. Here’s where it gets tricky. The fish eating variety, Conus geographus, Conus striatus conus textile (pictured above) and several others, have an exceptionally deadly venom and if you are stung by one There is a very good chance you will die as the poison is very rapid and there is no known antivenin. These snails should not be kept by amateur aquarists. Fortunately they are easily recognized as their shells tend to flare widely and noticeably at the narrow (business) end. Their shells are often colored with a mottled or fine chevron pattern and are typically brown or chestmut on white or tan. This pattern is also found on some non deadly varieties but it is best to err on the side of caution. They occasionally come in as hitchhikers on live rock and if you find one and believe it is the fish eating variety it may be picked up with a pair of tongs or pliers grasping the blunt end of the animal and face it away from you. Dispose of it humanely by freezing.
This concludes my research on snails. I hope you have found it as enlightening and possibly entertaining as I have.