Strawberry Conch - Strombus luhuanus

The Strawberry Conch, also known as the Red Conch or White-Spotted Conch, is a striking and beneficial sand-sifting snail that adds both beauty and function to reef aquariums. Its vibrant red to orange shell with white spotting makes it stand out, while its natural feeding habits help aerate the substrate and control nuisance algae.

Description:

Common Name: Strawberry Conch, Red Conch, White-Spotted Conch

Scientific Name: Strombus luhuanus

Family: Strombidae

Size: Up to 3 inches (7.5 cm)

Temperament: Peaceful

Difficulty: Easy

Reef Safe: Yes

Native Region:

The Strawberry Conch is found throughout the Indo-Pacific, including Fiji, Tonga, and the Philippines, inhabiting sandy bottoms and seagrass beds where it grazes on microalgae and detritus.

Aquarium Setup:

Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons

Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)

pH: 8.0–8.4

Salinity: 1.023–1.025

Substrate: Requires a sandy substrate to burrow and graze; live rock and open areas for movement.

Additional Tips:

• Algae Control: Excellent for keeping sand beds clean and reducing algae buildup.

• Sand Sifting: Constantly turns over sand, preventing compaction and promoting a healthy substrate.

• Feeding: Primarily grazes on microalgae and detritus but may need supplemental feeding with algae sheets or sinking pellets in low-nutrient systems.

• Compatibility: Peaceful and safe with corals, fish, and other invertebrates; avoid housing with predatory crabs or large wrasses that may prey on snails.