Turbo Snail

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Easy   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 2"
• Diet: Herbivore   • Aquarium Level: Substrate & Rocks   • Minimum Tank Size: 12 gallons
 • Reef Compatible: Yes   • Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
• Supplements: None   • Coloration: Grey, Tan, Brown, Red
• Origin: Caribbean, Mexico • Family: Turbinidae   • Species: Snails

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The Turbo Snail, which is also commonly referred to as the Turban Snail, Mexican Turbo Snail or Top Shell, is found in holes and crevices of the reef. It is shaped like a top, or turban, and has a thick shell with an iridescent interior. Turbo Snails from the Gulf of California require cooler temperatures; however, most species in the aquarium trade are collected from the warmer waters around Mexico.

Turbo Snails are sought after for their ability to eat large amounts of marine algae and cyanobacteria and are included in most algae cleaning crews.

The Turbo Snail will do well in an aquarium if provided with ample places to hide and large amounts of room in which to graze for algae, preferably with live rock. The Turbo Snail also grazes on algae on the glass, which is very useful in keeping the algae on the glass under control in the aquarium environment.

Since the Turbo Snail uses calcium to build its shell, adequate calcium levels must be maintained in the aquarium. Turbo Snails are very sensitive to high levels of copper-based medications and prefers a low nitrate level. Unfortunately it is extremely difficult to breed Turbo Snails in an aquarium, which means they will need to be replaced from time to time to make sure the algae growth is kept under control.

Turbo Snails are very peaceful and are perfect for cleaning algae in either a fish only or reef aquarium. Some times they may be attacked by hermit crabs for their shell, but for the most part they will do well with other species of invertebrates and community fish species.

The Turbo Snail is a herbivore and will eat most forms of algae found within the marine aquarium environment, including green hair and cyanobacteria. If insufficient algae is present, the diet should be supplemented with dried seaweed.