Description
ORA Siphonaria Limpet (Siphonaria sp.)
Controlling algae is one of the most important tasks of maintaining reef aquaria. Biological methods are quite arguably the easiest and most cost-effective means of algae control. And, for film or low-growing turf algae, the most efficacious means of bio-control is with the use of various small gastropod mollusks. Many of these are snails, though some aquarists have found that limpets (e.g. Siphonaria limpets) are equally fantastic algae-eaters. Thanks to their thickened, shield-like shell, they are highly resistant to predation.
Not “true” limpets nor “true” snails, they are in a class of their own. Their family, Siphonariidae, is a fairly large group of marine or brackish, tropical or temperate, air-breathing gastropods. Siphonariid limpets can be distinguished from their true limpet cousins by the interior of their empty shells; those of siphonariids exhibit a clear lateral groove on the right side of the shell.
Siphonaria sp. limpets have proven to be exceptionally hardy and reef-safe aquarium algae-eaters. While siphonaria limpets are considered to be reef-safe, they are also a great choice of algae-eater for FOWLR systems containing more predatory fish species.
See below for more information.
Size and Care Requirements
- Purchase Size: ~2/5″ (shell length)
- Max Size: 1″ (shell length)
- Water Parameters: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.2-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
- Color: Beige, brown
- Reef-Safe: Yes
- Diet: Film algae.
Siphonaria Limpet Species Information
Siphonia sp. limpets are widespread geographically. They prefer hard, rocky bottoms. They typically inhabit very shallow waters, where light intensity (and therefore algal growth) is high. Their rounded, low-profile shell and ability to strongly grasp hard substrates allows them to hold fast in turbulent nearshore waters; these characteristics also confer a strong protection against would-be predators.
The Benefits of Captive-Bred Limpets
Captive-bred livestock provide a huge advantage over wild-caught specimens. Because they are cultured in captivity, they are better adapted to living in an aquarium and tend to be more disease resistant. They are also better able to handle shipping/acclimation stress. By purchasing captive-bred Siphonaria limpets, you are supporting the aquaculture of marine organisms and helping to make our hobby more sustainable!
ORA keeps these limpets in an invertebrate-specific system to minimize the transfer of fish parasites and other unwanted hitchhikers.
100% Alive on Arrival (AoA) Guarantee
We guarantee that every limpet we sell will be Alive On Arrival and in good health. Should it arrive in any other state, we will either replace it free of charge (including shipping). If the total livestock loss is less than $40, we will issue store credit. For more information, please also visit our 100% Alive On Arrival Guarantee page.
