A couple of questions about conchs

[linda lee]

Queen Conch and Fighting Conch -- same thing?

Also ... do their shells grow? I've had mine for a few months and it seems to be getting bigger without switching out shells.

If you have any experience or could post a link, please share.

Thanks!

 

[wolfie]

Queen conch and fighting conch are the same, but not the same

I mean they act and eat the same thing in your tank. However Queen conch will not get bigger then 1.5 IN and Fighting Conch will get to about 4In

 

[sue]

I have had two Queen Conches for 3 years that are now easily 4 inches and growing. Their shells do grow with them.

Here is the difference as stated by ORA!

- What's the Difference Between a Fighting Conch and a Queen Conch? </em>
Fighting conchs (Strombus alatus</em>) have white and brown shells. Since fighting conchs eat brown diatoms and other algae on the surface of live sand beds, they stir and clean upper layers.

Queen conchs, Strombus gigas</em>, have gray shells and are algae eaters. They graze algae on live rock and even off the glass. They will also consume detritus on the sand bed.

- Why do they call them Fighting Conch?</em>
The common name Fighting Conch refers to the male ritual of fighting each other with their proboscis at mating time. They do not fight with other animals and are quite docile in aquariums. They are reef safe for corals and clams.

- Can you put Fighting Conchs and Queen Conchs together?</em>
Yes. They have different jobs and they coexist well.