Description

The term “Penny Cowrie snail” likely refers to a few small species within the Cowrie family (Cypraeidae) that are popular in the aquarium hobby due to their size and often attractive patterns. They are generally peaceful grazers and can be beneficial in a reef tank for controlling certain types of algae.

Here’s a general care guide for small cowrie snails, which would likely encompass what you’re referring to as “Penny Cowrie snails”:

General Care Guide for Small Cowrie Snails:

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 10-20 gallons (38-76 liters) is usually sufficient for a few small cowries. Larger tanks are always beneficial for stability.
• Water Parameters: Maintain stable reef tank conditions:
  • Temperature: 72-78F (22-26C)
  • Salinity: 1.023-1.025 specific gravity
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
  • Ammonia and nitrites should be 0 ppm, and nitrates ideally below 10 ppm.
• Substrate and Rockwork: Provide a varied substrate (sand, rubble) and ample live rock with crevices and hiding places. Cowries often graze on the surfaces of rocks and within the substrate.
• Diet: Small cowries are primarily grazers, feeding on various types of algae, including diatoms, film algae, and sometimes cyanobacteria. They may also scavenge on detritus.
• Supplementation: In a well-established reef tank with sufficient algae growth, supplemental feeding is usually not necessary. However, if algae levels are low, you can supplement with algae wafers or nori (dried seaweed).
• Temperament: Small cowries are peaceful and will not harm corals or other invertebrates.
• Reef Compatibility: They are generally considered reef safe and can be beneficial for algae control.
• Water Flow: Moderate water flow is suitable. Avoid extremely strong currents that could dislodge them.
• Lighting: Standard reef tank lighting is sufficient to support algae growth, their primary food source.
• Acclimation: Acclimate new cowries slowly to your tank’s water parameters using a drip acclimation method.

Considerations:

• Availability: You should be able to find small cowrie snails like Money Cowries in local aquarium stores around Caboolture that stock saltwater invertebrates. Availability of other smaller species might vary.
• Quarantine: It’s always a good practice to quarantine new invertebrates in a separate tank for a few weeks to observe for any parasites or diseases before introducing them to your main reef tank.
• Tank Mates: Ensure you don’t have any aggressive tank mates (like certain wrasses, puffers, or triggerfish) that might harass or try to eat the cowries.
• Copper Medications: Cowries, like other invertebrates, are sensitive to copper-based medications. Avoid using these in a tank containing cowries.