Tiger Sand Snail

Tiger Sand Snail: The Reef Janitor

The Tiger Sand Snail (Conomurex luhuanus), which is also widely known as the Strawberry Conch, is one of the most popular and beneficial invertebrates for the marine aquarium cleanup crew. Despite its aggressive common name "Tiger" or "Fighting" Conch (a name inherited from its genus, Strombus), this small gastropod is entirely peaceful and reef safe.

Native to the sandy bottoms of the Indo-Pacific, the Tiger Sand Snail is prized for its shell, which features a mottled white, brown, or orange exterior, and a stunning vibrant orange, red, or pink interior—hence the name Strawberry Conch. It reaches a common length of about 2 inches (5 cm) and a maximum size of roughly 3 inches (8 cm).

The primary benefit of C. luhuanus is its constant activity as a sand sifter. It spends nearly all its time burrowing just beneath the substrate surface, which effectively aerates the sandbed, prevents compaction, and consumes detritus, uneaten food, and nuisance film algae (diatoms and cyanobacteria).

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Tiger Sand Snail is an Omnivore/Detritivore and a highly effective scavenger. Its diet consists mainly of benthic algae (film algae, diatoms), detritus (organic waste), and leftover fish food found in the sandbed.
• Feeding: While they graze constantly, supplemental feeding is necessary in cleaner or smaller tanks where natural food may be scarce. Offer sinking marine pellets, small pieces of Nori, or finely chopped meaty frozen foods like mysis shrimp a few times per week. Starvation is the most common cause of death.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe. This snail will not harm corals or sessile invertebrates. It is an essential component of a healthy reef ecosystem, actively cleaning the sand.
• Temperament: It is Peaceful. It will coexist with virtually all fish and invertebrates, though it should be protected from known shell-eating predators.
• Compatibility Warning: Do not house with predatory snails, large Triggerfish, Puffers, or certain aggressive hermit crabs (like the Halloween Hermit Crab), as they are known to prey on conchs for their shells or meat.
• Aquarium Setup: Requires a minimum of a 10-gallon tank, but needs a good amount of open sandbed for foraging. A fine-grain aragonite sand substrate of at least 1-2 inches deep is mandatory, as coarse or sharp substrate can injure its foot.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Conomurex luhuanus (Synonym: Strombus luhuanus)
• Primary Common Name: Tiger Sand Snail
• Other Common Names: Strawberry Conch, Blood Mouth Conch
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Widespread)
• Max Size: 2–3 inches (5–8 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful / Sand Sifter
• Diet: Omnivore/Detritivore (Algae, Detritus, Leftover Food)
• Minimum Tank Size: 10+ Gallons (More sand area is better)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Highly beneficial for sandbed maintenance)