Turbo Snail

The Turbo Snail is a highly effective and popular algae grazer in reef and marine aquariums. Its distinctive spiral shell, which can be coloured in shades of black, brown, or white, offers protection while it actively scavenges for algae. The Turbo Snail is best known for its ability to clean up nuisance algae such as green hair algae and film algae, making it a valuable addition to the clean-up crew in reef tanks.

The Turbo Snail is nocturnal and often hides during the day, emerging at night to feed. Its natural habitat includes rocky crevices and coral reefs, where it plays a key role in controlling algae growth. When kept in an aquarium, the Turbo Snail requires plenty of live rock and surfaces where it can feed on algal growth. They are reef-safe and will not harm corals or other invertebrates.

However, Turbo Snails may have difficulty righting themselves if they fall onto their back, especially on smooth surfaces like the tank glass. It's important to check on them periodically and help them if needed to prevent starvation or injury.

As an herbivore, the Turbo Snail thrives on a diet of algae. In a well-established aquarium with plenty of algae growth, it will largely self-sustain. If algae levels become low, it is important to supplement their diet with dried seaweed (nori) or algae wafers to ensure they have enough food.

The Turbo Snail is a peaceful and easy-to-care-for addition to saltwater aquariums, particularly useful for controlling algae growth. Its diligent grazing habits make it an essential part of the clean-up crew, and its small size makes it suitable for tanks of 80 Litres or larger. Just be mindful to occasionally check if it has fallen and help it right itself if necessary.