Cowries reef safe?

[Tuan’s Reef]

picked up a couple of cowries . Are they reef safe?

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

Pic

 

[Lloyd Williams]

Wondering myself

 

[Hemmdog]

Yep, they are.

 

[Tastee]

I added 4 to my 65g mixed reef a month ago and love them - better CUC than my other snails for cleaning rocks by a factor of 10. Would love to hear other’s experiences with them.

 

[mort]

Those ones are but many species aren't.

 

[samnaz]

If that’s a gold ring cowrie then yes. I’ve had one for years.

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

Those ones are but many species aren't.

I was very hesitant to buy these because I didn’t research about these animals but the LHS assured me they are reef safe. Said they are moneybags or something like that

Been in my tank for 48 hours now and doing just fine. Haven’t noticed them munching on something they shouldn’t but will keep a close eye

 

[Heavymman]

I bought two “money” cowries from reefcleaners and they a super snails as far as cleaning.

 

[Greybeard]

Had a 2" tiger cowry eat a 5" purple ball sponge in under a day.

Many cowries are known sponge eaters. Don't keep sponges in your reef? No problem....

 

[fish farmer]

I gave some xenia to a LFS once and they had a big cowrie(tiger?) munch it down the next day.

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

Dang it. I knew I should of listened to my gut instinct . Just looked them up at liveaquaria and they are “caution” eat sponges , anemones , and soft corals .

Just never ever trust your LHS on anything. I’ll be taking them out when they are in easy reach . Hope I don’t lose any soft corals in that time

 

[TexasReefer82]

Is Gold Ring cowrie the same thing as Money cowrie? I've heard good things about Money cowries before but have never seen one for sale.

Sounds like Gold Ring cowries could be another possibility for aiptasia control?

 

[Heavymman]

Is Gold Ring cowrie the same thing as Money cowrie? I've heard good things about Money cowries before but have never seen one for sale.

Sounds like Gold Ring cowries could be another possibility for aiptasia control?

I’m not sure but I would ask John from reef cleaners. He had the money cowrie’s for sale.

 

[Heavymman]

Dang it. I knew I should of listened to my gut instinct . Just looked them up at liveaquaria and they are “caution” eat sponges , anemones , and soft corals .

Just never ever trust your LHS on anything. I’ll be taking them out when they are in easy reach . Hope I don’t lose any soft corals in that time

Which species do you have? I can’t see from the picture if it’s this gold ring/money cowrie it might not be a big deal. I have two money cowries in my 60 gallon and the only softies I have right now are Zoas, the cowries haven’t even been interested

 

[Heavymman]

Money cowrie according to reef cleaners, I’m going to assume it might be the same as gold ring lol

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

Money cowrie according to reef cleaners, I’m going to assume it might be the same as gold ring lol

Yep, 2 gold rings . Hope they are safe.

 

[Heavymman]

Yep, 2 gold rings . Hope they are safe.

Maybe someone who has kept them with soft coral can chime in. It seems like only problem I saw was with the tiger cowrie

 

[TexasReefer82]

Did a quick Google search, apparently the gold ring and money cowrie are NOT the same. Although they look similar.

Gold Ring cowrie:
Monetaria annulus


Money cowrie:
Monetaria moneta

 

[TexasReefer82]

Maybe someone who has kept them with soft coral can chime in. It seems like only problem I saw was with the tiger cowrie

Judging by the Wikipedia photos of both cowries you have a gold ring.