CERITHIUM CAERULEUM

Datasheet

General Description

The Black Sand Cerith Snail (Cerithium caeruleum) is a hardy and sensible addition to a reef aquarium due to its penchant for consuming various types of algae and detritus. Sporting an elongated spiral shell, this snail showcases a dark coloration accented with robust crowns or knots, making it an aesthetically pleasing addition to marine tanks.

Aquarium Suitability

With its peaceful temperament and efficient algae-eating habits, the Black Sand Cerith Snail is an excellent choice for reef aquariums. It is recommended to have around five to ten snails for every 25 gallons of water to ensure they have enough space to forage and assist in algae control. If algae levels are insufficient, supplement their diet with sinking algae wafers.

Care and Hardiness

This species is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance in a well-established reef environment. It is active at night, primarily residing in the sand substrate during the day. To acclimate them to your tank, utilize the drip method to ensure a smooth transition.

Reef Suitability

The Black Sand Cerith Snail is considered reef-compatible, making it a valuable addition to reef ecosystems. Their algae-eating habits make them beneficial in maintaining a balanced reef environment while their peaceful nature ensures compatibility with other reef inhabitants.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Black Sand Cerith Snails, ensure a minimum tank size of 113 liters and maintain water conditions with a pH ranging from 8.1 to 8.4, a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025. These parameters mimic their natural habitat and promote their well-being in captivity.

Behaviour

Predominantly active at night, these snails emerge from the sand substrate to feed on algae present on live rock and aquarium surfaces. Their diligent foraging helps control various algae types, contributing to the overall cleanliness and balance of the aquarium.

Feeding and Diet

As omnivores, Black Sand Cerith Snails primarily feed on algae, including hair algae, diatoms, film algae, and cyanobacteria. In environments where natural algae sources are scarce, supplement their diet with sinking algae wafers to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.

Habitat and Distribution

The Black Sand Cerith Snail can be found in coastal marine environments, usually burrowing in sandy substrates near coral reefs. Their distribution ranges across suitable habitats in marine ecosystems, where they play a vital role in algae consumption and substrate maintenance.