Cerith Snail

Common Name: Cerith Snail
Scientific Name: Cerithium sp
Coloration: Dark, elongated cone-shaped shell with white and green speckling
Movement: Slow crawler, often seen burrowing in sand or grazing on rockwork
Preferred Habitat: Sandy bottoms, reef flats, and areas with ample rockwork in the Indian Ocean
Diet: Diatoms, microalgae, detritus, and uneaten food; grazes on sand and rock surfaces
Ecological Role: Detritivore and algae grazer; controls algae and detritus, aerates sand, and promotes nutrient cycling
Compatibility: Well-suited to the Living Ecosystems Aquarium and Living Blocks Reef, particularly in mature tanks with established rockwork and sand beds

The sustainably sourced Cerith Snail (Cerithium sp) is a peaceful, reef-safe marine snail ideal for both beginner and advanced aquarists. With its distinctive dark, speckled cone-shaped shell and active burrowing behavior, it is both functional and visually appealing in reef aquariums.

In the wild, Cerith Snails play an important role in reef maintenance by grazing on diatoms, microalgae, and organic debris across sand and rock surfaces. Their burrowing behavior helps aerate the sand, preventing compacted areas and promoting healthy bacterial activity, which supports overall tank stability.

In the Living Ecosystems Aquarium, the Cerith Snail thrives around the Living Blocks Reef and in sandy areas, where it quietly performs critical cleanup services. Its adaptability makes it a valuable part of the clean-up crew, and if natural algae levels are low, it may benefit from supplemental algae-based foods.

Reproduction:
Cerith Snails may reproduce in captivity, with females laying egg spirals on rockwork or aquarium glass. While survival rates of larvae vary, their presence contributes to natural population dynamics in well-established tanks.