conch

[psuedo]

Of all the conches that are out there, are there any that are destructive to a reef. Are any of them known to eat corals?

[Quinn]

I don't know of any conches that eat corals, however the horse conches (Pleuroploca sp.) and possibly other will actively seek meat for consumption. I imagine this mostly means other molluscs, as crustaceans tend to be fairly well-defended and piscine prey is likely rather difficult to catch when you are a rock the size of a football travelling a manner much like a drunk frat boy.

[psuedo]

I was just told that they eat coral. Now I am confused :confused:

[EmilyB]

Most conches are omnivorous I believe, according to Bob Fenner. There are very few truly herbivorous conchs, I think the Queen might be one, of course it grows huge.

So maybe it depends on how hungry they are? I've only seen my fighting conchs under the sand bed eating all the life forms.... :confused:

[Quinn]

I couldn't find anything when I searched for "coral-eating conch" on Google or "coral AND conch" as a topic on RC. Someone should ask Shimek on his forum, maybe he can give us a better idea.