Astrea Snail
Astrea Snail (Astrea tecta)
Available for local pickup only
Astrea Snails are hardworking, reef-safe grazers that are perfect for keeping nuisance algae under control. Known for their cone-shaped shells and appetite for diatoms, film algae, and green algae, they’re a staple cleanup crew member in saltwater aquariums — especially in newer setups where algae can quickly get out of hand.
Key Care Information
✅ Size: Typically 1–1.5 inches in diameter
✅ Temperament: Completely peaceful — safe with all reef inhabitants
✅ Reef Safe: 100% reef safe — will not harm corals, fish, or inverts
✅ Diet: Herbivore — constantly grazes on algae growing on glass, rocks, and sand; does not require supplemental feeding in mature tanks
✅ Behavior: Active grazer during the day and night — may need help if they fall upside down, as they can struggle to right themselves on flat surfaces
Astrea Snail
Available for local pickup only
Common Names:
Astrea Snail
Astrea Turbo Snail
📌 Identification
Astrea Snails are hardy, reef-safe herbivores recognized for their thick, conical shells with rough, textured ridges. Their shells usually display mottled patterns in shades of brown, cream, and sometimes green. They are efficient algae grazers that blend well with rockwork and help maintain algae control.
Size:
Grows up to 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) in diameter.
Behavior & Role in a Reef Tank
Temperament: Peaceful and non-aggressive.
Habitat: Active during the day and night, commonly found grazing on rocks, glass, and substrate surfaces.
Diet: Strictly herbivorous — feeds primarily on film algae, diatoms, and other soft algae, helping to control nuisance algae growth.
Compatibility & Caution
✔️ 100% reef safe — safe with all corals, fish, and invertebrates.
❗ Can be vulnerable to predatory crabs, wrasses, and some fish species.
❗ Sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry; gradual acclimation is recommended.
✅ Care Level
Difficulty: Very easy — suitable for beginners and experienced reef keepers alike.
Water Conditions: Stable reef parameters — Temp: 72–78 °F, SG: 1.024–1.026, pH: 8.1–8.4
Diet: Herbivore — natural algae diet supplemented with algae wafers or nori when necessary.
Tank Mates
✔️ Compatible with peaceful reef fish, corals, shrimp, and other snails.
❌ Avoid aggressive predators and large crabs that may prey on or harm the snails.
Fun Fact
Astrea Snails are excellent algae grazers and are often used to combat stubborn hair algae. Unlike some other snails, they are very resilient and can thrive in a wide variety of reef tank conditions, making them a reliable choice for cleanup crews.