Tiger Conch – Conomurex luhuanus

The Tiger Conch (Conomurex luhuanus), also known as the Strawberry Conch, is a distinctive marine gastropod in the family Strombidae. It has a heavy, elongated shell with attractive cream, tan, brown, and orange markings. Its long eye stalks and specialized foot give conchs an unmistakable appearance as they move across the aquarium substrate.

Conomurex luhuanus is native to the tropical Indo-West Pacific and inhabits shallow reef-associated environments. It is particularly associated with sandy substrates and coral rubble, where it feeds on algae and organic detritus. The species can reach approximately 8 cm (just over 3 inches) in shell length. OCA

In the saltwater aquarium, the Tiger Conch is especially useful for maintaining the sand bed. Rather than concentrating primarily on rockwork like many grazing snails, it travels across the substrate feeding on algae, microalgal growth, and organic material. Its movement also helps lightly disturb the upper surface of the sand.

Tiger Conchs are peaceful and generally reef safe, making them excellent additions to a diversified cleanup crew. They are best maintained in an established aquarium with plenty of accessible sand and enough naturally occurring food to support continued grazing.

Care Guide

Scientific Name: Conomurex luhuanus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonym: Strombus luhuanus Linnaeus, 1758
Family: Strombidae
Common Names: Tiger Conch, Strawberry Conch
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatibility: Reef safe
Maximum Size: Approximately 3 inches / 8 cm SeaLifeBase
Diet: Herbivore / detritivore
Feeding: Grazes algae and organic detritus from the substrate. Supplemental marine algae-based foods can be offered if natural food becomes limited.
Aquarium Placement: Sand bed
Substrate: Provide an open area of sand where the conch can move and forage naturally.
Temperature: Approximately 74–80°F
Specific Gravity: Approximately 1.023–1.026
pH: Approximately 8.1–8.4
Special Considerations: Best suited to an established aquarium with a mature sand bed and adequate grazing material. Avoid copper-based medications and rapid changes in salinity.

The sand-grazing description is well supported for this species. A government marine-life reference describes C. luhuanus as inhabiting sandy and coral-rubble substrates and feeding on algae and organic detritus.