Spiney Pacific Turban Snail – RW Select

Spiney Pacific Turban Snail – RW Select

Avalable for local pickup only

 

Overview

The Spiney Pacific Turban Snail (Turbo fluctuosa), also sometimes called the Turbo Snail or Pacific Turban, is a hardy and efficient algae grazer prized in reef aquariums. The “RW Select” tag usually indicates a specially chosen or premium-grade specimen with excellent shell condition and vibrant appearance. These snails are recognized for their thick, rounded shells covered in short spines or bumps and their ability to keep nuisance algae under control, especially hair algae and film algae.

A peaceful and reef-safe addition, the Spiney Pacific Turban is best for aquarists looking to maintain clean rockwork and glass while avoiding chemical algae removers.

 

Key Care Information

• Species: Turbo fluctuosa

• Common Names: Spiney Pacific Turban Snail, Turbo Snail

• Size: 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm), sometimes slightly larger

• Temperament: Peaceful, reef safe

• Reef Safe: ✅ Yes – does not bother corals or other inverts

• Tank Size: 20+ gallons (larger tanks allow for sufficient algae food supply)

• Placement: Rockwork and glass surfaces; will graze all over the tank

 

Tank Requirements

• Lighting: Standard reef lighting; algae growth is a food source

• Water Flow: Moderate; avoid very strong flow zones where the snail may tumble

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • dKH: 8–12

  • Nitrate/Phosphate: Low for coral health, but some available nutrients help algae grow for feeding

 

Diet & Feeding

• Primarily consumes algae – film, diatoms, and hair algae.

• Will also graze on microalgae growing on glass, rocks, and substrate.

• In clean tanks or low-algae environments, supplementation is required with:

  • Dried seaweed (nori sheets)

  • Algae wafers

  • Spirulina-based pellets

👉 Best kept in established aquariums with consistent algal growth.

 

Behavior & Compatibility

• Peaceful grazer that will not disturb tank mates.

• Completely reef safe – does not harm corals, clams, or sessile invertebrates.

• May occasionally topple unsecured frags or small rocks while climbing.

• Compatible with all peaceful fish, shrimp, crabs, and corals.

 

Care Notes

• Sensitive to copper-based medications.

• Avoid rapid salinity or temperature changes, as they stress snails.

• Snails cannot right themselves easily if they fall on their back; check occasionally.

 

✅ Fun Facts

• Their spiny shells help deter predators and provide camouflage against rocky reef environments.

• Turbo snails have a trapdoor-like operculum that seals them inside the shell for protection when threatened.

• They are nighttime grazers, often becoming more active after lights out.

• A healthy group can keep nuisance algae in check better than most other clean-up crew members.