Cerithium atratum

(Born, 1778)

Cerith Snails, Cone Snails, Tower Snails

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Florida and the Caribbean.

Size: 1.75 inches (4.5 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow intertidal and subtidal areas, including mangroves areas, and is also found in offshore reef areas where mud, rock, sand and seagrass accumulate.

General Husbandry: Somewhat common in the home aquarium trade.

This mostly nocturnal snail is an extremely good scavenger of detritus, uneaten food, fish waste, and various kinds of unwanted algae, and often burrows into the aquarium substrate helping to keep it clean and prevent clogged areas.

Long lasting and does not harmed any creatures traveled over. Does not need any special care or feeding, yet sensitive to salinity changes, as they are very shallow intertidal water creatures, so initially acclimate as noted below. A great scavenger and one of the more useful aquarium creatures! Excellent rock and substrate cleaners! Recommend having at least one per 5 gallons!

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Mollusca

Class: Gastropods

Order: Caenogastropoda

Family: Cerithiidae

Genus: Cerithium

FYI: May lay their eggs on the aquarium glass side panels just after dark in zig zag pattern. (see attached photo)

There are many different species in this genus, with some in the trade coming from Eastern Pacific waters, which are cooler waters than those collected in the Caribbean. All have the cone shape, yet each species looks slightly different, yet all accomplish the same aspects.

Experience Level: Beginner

Diet: Omnivore

Temperament: Peaceful

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: Sensitive to specific gravity/salinity changes, therefore be sure to adjust the bag's water to that of the aquarium in which it will be placed by slowly adding small amounts of aquarium water to the bag every few minutes. In most cases, this process should take at least 15 minutes.

Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately hardy

Temperature Range: 72 - 79°F (22 - 26°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

Water Movement: WM 1 - 2

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4