Cowries: Reef Safe or not?

[mollybabes]

I used to play with the shells in my Hula class when I lived in Hawaii when I was little, and for some reason, I never thought about it being a real animal, until I saw one at my LFS. I would desperately like one for my tank, but I have read conflicting descriptions on these critters, and would rather not have it eating my corals. Can anyone help me out?

Thanks!!!!!

 

[OrionGirl]

Depends on the type, I think. I have chestnut cowries in my reef, and they are just grazers--clean algae and detritus off the glass and sand. Other types are predators that will go after fish and mobile inverts (don't think they eat corals).