pearl cowrie

pearl cowrie ok in a reef tank ?????

 

I don't know for sure which species you're referring to, but I can try to translate the latin and guess that you're talking about Cypraea (Pustularia) margarita? I've never seen them for sale, so maybe you're talking about something else. Cypraea margarita is a cryptic little nocturnal hider, and is found in association with some light yellow species of sponge. I wouldn't guarantee that's what they eat, but it's probably at least part of their diet. Chances are pretty good they wouldn't harm anything in your tank, but chances are also pretty good you'd never see them.

Cheers,



Don

 

the one i am talking about is a Cyprea Pyrum per the wholesaler. it has been ok in the last 24 hours but I am keeping a close eye on it. yes it does hid a bit during the day cycle but does come out in the night cycle. he is pretty cool so I picked him up but they were not sure of its reef safety. if not no biggie he was only $6.00

 

What are you saying here?

 

what i am saying is if he is not reef safe and i have to get rid of him no big deal he was only $6.00

 

I would recommend researching things before purchase. However, everyone on this board has seen something in a LFS before and just couldn't resist, and then found out it isn't reef safe. A good friend of mine once said, "A life is a life". Price really doesn't matter.

At least take things back to the fish store if something you purchased is not reef-safe.

 

I think I'd keep it. While no cowry is absolutely reef safe, most of them are relatively harmless. I suggest steering away from the larger species, though, as they can do more harm if they decide to. I really doubt yours is C. pyrum, since that's a Mediterranean/west African species, and doesn't normally make it to the U.S. aquarium trade. Hard to guess what else it might be, assuming it isn't actually C. pyrum. Whichever it is, it should primarily be an algae and microorganism grazer, but may taste of other things, especially if it's starving.

Cheers,



Don

 

yes i agree with this statement... unfortunately the one LFS in this one horse town desent carry corals so I go straight to a wholesaler in Los Angles to get my stuff so there is no returning it. the guy didn't know if it was reef safe or not but I liked it so I got it. if it dosent work out in my tank I do have friends with fish only tanks he would go to.....

 

thanks for the info I will get a pic of him maybe that would help if it is or not?. the invoice says that is what he is but I am not sure..

 

here is a pic of it.