Money Cowrie

Monetaria moneta

Origin	Indo-Pacific reefs
Maximum Length	1 inch
Minimum Tank Size	20 gallons
Reef Compatibility	Mostly — grazes algae; larger cowries may bump corals

Behavior

The Money Cowrie is a small, glossy-shelled snail historically used as currency across the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In the aquarium it is a peaceful algae grazer that glides over rock and glass with its mantle partly enveloping its polished shell. It works over film algae and detritus, and its attractive porcelain-like shell makes it a decorative as well as functional member of the cleanup crew. Mostly active at night.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivore leaning herbivore. Grazes film algae, detritus, and some encrusting growth. Supplement with dried seaweed if algae is scarce. Larger cowries may also nibble sponges or soft coral, so watch behavior in a full reef.

Cautions

Generally reef safe, but some cowries can grow and occasionally nip sponges, zoanthids, or soft corals — monitor in a coral-heavy tank. Nocturnal; may hide by day. Sensitive to copper and poor water quality. Keep away from shell-crushing predators.