Turban Snail

Scientific Name: Tectus fenestratus

The Turban Snail is a powerhouse that helps keep live rock and aquarium glass free of algae. This peaceful snail boasts an interesting shell and is a smart addition to your existing aquarium cleanup crew. The Turban Snail, is also known as the Top Snail, False Trochus Snail, or Pyramid Snail, and is found in holes and crevices of the reef in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. It has a bumpy shell shaped like a top or turban generally in varying earth tone colors including white, tan or even brown. The foot of the snail is white with fine black dots.

This hardy snail does well in an established aquarium with ample places to hide. The aquarium should ideally have a large area for grazing and live rock. Since the Turban Snail uses calcium to build its shell, an adequate calcium level must be maintained. It is very sensitive to any level of copper-based medications and prefers a low nitrate level.

The Turban Snail can spawn in captivity, normally in mature reef aquariums. The Turban Snail will expel their gametes, temporarily making the water cloudy. In a few months tiny Turban Snails will be visible on the glass and substrate when the lights have gone off. As they grow the Turban Snails will venture out into bright light during the day.

If sufficient algae are not present, the Turban Snail's diet should be supplemented with dried seaweed.

Approximate Purchase Size: 3/4" to 1-1/4"