- Common Name:- Annular Cowrie
- Latin Name:- Monetaria annulus
- Final Size:- Up to 3cm
- Purchase Size:- Approx 1.5cm 2.5cm
- Diet: - Algae, detrirus, uneaten foods
- Aquarium Size:- 25 litres+
- Water Parameters:- SG 1.023 - 1.026, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Nitrite 0, Ammonia 0, Will not tolerate Copper
- Compatibility:- Coral Safe
- Top Tips:- Great for small aquariums with hair algae problems
Both these and Money Cowries were once regarded as a symbol of wealth and power as they were used as a form of currency before coins were widely used. Nowadays they are recognised for their uses in reef aquariums as a useful member of the clean up crew. They are a small species of cowrie reaching a maximum final size of around 3cm but their small size doesnt stop them from being fantastic additions. Annular Cowries are well loved for their ability to decimate hair algae. When these snails are not moving around their pearly cream shells are extremely noticeable. When they begin to move around they extend their mantle which totally covers the shell and makes them appear almost brown and hairy! They are more active at night time and can be seen hanging around under rockwork during their day with their mantles withdrawn.
Diet
Annular cowries will eat a wide range of algae species including hair algae as well as eating detritus and left over food. One huge benefit of Annular Cowries is that they are a species that do not cause destruction! Owing to their small size and small shells they can move in and out of rockwork without dislodging corals. This means less picking up corals for you!
Compatibility
Annular Cowries do not eat corals or other sessile invertebrates meaning they are classified as reef safe. They are extremely peaceful and the only risk of adding them is that one of their tank mates may eat them. To avoid this offer plenty of spare shells to hermit crabs or avoid keeping them together and do not add with known snail eating fish / shrimp species.
