Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, sourcing, and tankmate intelligence on Flamingo Tongue Snail - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team and cross-verified against vendor records on the live marketplace.
Flamingo Tongue Snail (Cyphoma gibbosum) is a marine invertebrate kept by aquarists for reef-tank cleanup, biological control of pests, or aesthetic display. Demanding requirements make this species best for keepers with established mature systems and proven track records.
Where Flamingo Tongue Snail comes from
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.
Flamingo Tongue Snail tank size and setup
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.
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. Newly-cycled tanks under 6 weeks crash the parameters that Flamingo Tongue Snail depends on.
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. Stable parameters beat perfect parameters.
What Flamingo Tongue Snail eats
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. Overfeeding is the #1 cause of water-quality crashes in tanks of all sizes.
Flamingo Tongue Snail tankmates and compatibility
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 adult size and lifespan
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.
Can you breed Flamingo Tongue Snail?
Flamingo Tongue Snail breeding in captivity ranges from straightforward (some shrimp, snails) to nearly impossible (most starfish, urchins) due to pelagic larval requirements. Captive-bred specimens are increasingly available from sustainable aquaculture facilities; check with vendors before assuming wild-caught origin.
Common Flamingo Tongue Snail diseases and problems
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.
Where to buy Flamingo Tongue Snail online
Flamingo Tongue Snail is sold at LFS (local fish stores), online retailers, and direct from breeders/wholesalers. Pricing varies widely by source, size, and quality:
Browse live Flamingo Tongue Snail from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping (FedEx Priority + UPS Next Day), climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims. Captive-bred or aquacultured specimens cost more upfront but arrive healthier and integrate faster.
Flamingo Tongue Snail FAQ
How big does Flamingo Tongue Snail get?
1.5 inches at adulthood within 12-24 months.
How long does Flamingo Tongue Snail live?
2-4 years with proper care.
What is the minimum tank/pond size?
30 gallons, with larger systems strongly recommended.
Is Flamingo Tongue Snail hard to keep?
Flamingo Tongue Snail is rated expert difficulty.
What does Flamingo Tongue Snail eat?
Flamingo Tongue Snail is a gorgonian-eater; appropriate diet matches its natural feeding pattern.
Flamingo Tongue Snail taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.