Flamingo Tongue Snail

Flamingo Tongue Snail requires a minimum of 30 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (1.5 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern. Most Flamingo Tongue Snail sold at small juvenile size will reach full adult size within 12-24 months and the system must be sized to the adult, not the juvenile.

The Flamingo Tongue Snail needs a tank of at least 30 gallons, a temperature of 76-80°F (24-27°C) and pH 8.1-8.4. Adults reach about 1.5 inches and live 2-4 years. Best paired with peaceful tankmates of similar size and water-chemistry needs.

Flamingo Tongue Snail requires standard reef parameters held tightly stable: Temperature: 76-80°F (24-27°C) Specific gravity: 1.025 (refractometer-measured) pH: 8.1-8.4 Alkalinity: 8-9 dKH Calcium: 420-450 ppm Magnesium: 1300-1400 ppm Ammonia + nitrite: Both 0 ppm Nitrate: Under 10 ppm Copper: 0 (lethal to invertebrates) Flamingo Tongue Snail is sensitive to copper - never medicate the display tank with copper if Flamingo Tongue Snail is present.

Flamingo Tongue Snail is a gorgonian-eater. Diet matches species requirements; check the species type for specifics. Feed Flamingo Tongue Snail appropriately for its size + activity level. For a Flamingo Tongue Snail setup: mature reef tank with stable parameters, live rock for cover, sandbed substrate (1-2"), reef-grade lighting if photosynthetic, and a fully-cycled biological filter at least 6 weeks old.

Flamingo Tongue Snail is generally peaceful and compatible with most reef community species. Avoid keeping with predatory fish that view inverts as food: large wrasses (especially halichoeres + thalassoma), triggerfish, pufferfish, and certain large angelfish. Multiple Flamingo Tongue Snail can share a tank but compete for food. Browse care guides for tankmate-compatibility tables for Flamingo Tongue Snail and similar species.

Flamingo Tongue Snail reaches 1.5 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 2-4 years with proper care. Many marine inverts molt periodically; provide adequate calcium and a stable parameter regime to support healthy molts. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (1.5 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern.

Flamingo Tongue Snail is sensitive to copper, ammonia spikes, low oxygen, and rapid parameter swings. NEVER use copper medications in a tank with Flamingo Tongue Snail. Symptoms of stress: reclusive behavior, color loss, refusal to feed, abnormal molting (incomplete or stuck molts). Most Flamingo Tongue Snail deaths trace back to acclimation shock or parameter mismatch - drip-acclimate over 45-60 minutes when adding to a new tank.

Flamingo Tongue Snail (Cyphoma gibbosum) is native to Indo-Pacific reef ecosystems, with wild populations distributed across coral reefs, sandy lagoons, and rocky tide pools. Captive specimens are typically wild-collected; some species are starting to be aquacultured but most Flamingo Tongue Snail sold today still comes from wild reef collection. Sustainable sourcing matters - look for vendors who can verify their collection practices, and consider aquacultured alternatives when available.