Found a Baby Conch!!!

[clarkiiboi]

So excited!! Not sure if its a fighting or queen, its about 1/4 in. long. Come to think of it, I saw it on the glass so that is probably an indicator that it most likely would be a queen, right? Anyways, is this fairly common in captivity? Just curious. Thanks.

 

[beth]

Definately common to get hitchhiking snails. Fighting conchs don't make up the glass either !

 

[bang guy]

I would also guess it's something else but there is a possibility that you are correct. Snall Queens and small Fighting Conch do climb the glass, just not that often.
I would guess your snail is more likely a Strombus maculatus AKA Spotted Conch.

 

[clarkiiboi]

Not a hitchhiker, I have had both fighting and queens in my tank for the last 4-5 months. I remebered reading that queens climbed the glass until too big, and fighting stayed in the sand (thats how I figured out I have a few queens in the mix I ordered, along with there are some differences in shell appearance, pointed vs. rounded stubs, and snout color ), so that is why I figured it as a queen. I was curious if baby fighting would climb the glass though. Blows my theory now, will have to wait till it gets bigger to really know, lol. Not sure yet, couldnt get a pic--no film and cant find it now---who knows when I will again. Is it possible or ever reported that these will reproduce in captivity? Anyways I am thinking its one or the other, will take time to finally come up with a positive ID. Just want to share.

 

[clarkiiboi]

I'll look into Strombus maculatus, but is it possible for a queen or a fighting to breed in captivity? That was the original question. I haven't added anything but fish in over a year and a half (close to 2 years). I cant see any snail being dormant that long and popping up. Maybe it came in a few coral I bought recently. That I can understand. Gonna have to buy some film and go searching. thanks all.

 

[bang guy]

Originally posted by ClarkiiBoi
I'll look into Strombus maculatus, but is it possible for a queen or a fighting to breed in captivity?
Yes. In fact most fighting and Queen conch sold in the hobby are Aquacultured.
The need to be mature snails though. This takes 4 or 5 years for the Fighting and 6 - 8 years for a Queen. You also need a male and female in the same tank. Typically, the shell begins to flair out once they reach maturity.
Fyi - My two big queens are 7 & 8" snails and are not yet mature. Perhaps 2 or 3 more years.