Astraea phoebia

Datasheet

General Description

The Spiny Star Astraea (Astraea phoebia) is a marine snail that stands out with its unique pyramid-shaped shell, featuring green, yellow, and tan hues with pronounced projections creating a sculptured spiral star shape. With a maximum size of 2.5 cm, this snail is a visually striking addition to any aquarium, known for its ravenous appetite for algae and its diligent cleaning habits.

Aquarium Suitability

The Spiny Star Astraea is suitable for beginner aquarists as it is generally easy to care for. It prefers established tanks with ample hiding spots and space to roam, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a clean aquarium with minimal effort. However, it requires careful observation due to its difficulty in righting itself if flipped upside down.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Adaptable to a herbivorous diet, the Spiny Star Astraea primarily consumes nuisance hair algae, cyanobacteria, and diatoms, aiding in algae control. Sensitivity to high nitrate levels and intolerance to copper-based medications necessitate stable water parameters and a gradual acclimation process. Supplementing its diet with blanched spinach or lettuce and vegetable-based tablet foods ensures its nutritional needs are met.

Reef Suitability

Reef-compatible, the Spiny Star Astraea plays a beneficial role in maintaining a clean reef environment by grazing on algae-covered live rock and aquarium glass. Its peaceful temperament makes it a suitable addition to coral reef tanks.

Aquarium Setup

To accommodate the Spiny Star Astraea, a minimum tank size of 75 litres with water conditions of pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity of 1.023-1.025, and alkalinity of 8-12 dKH is recommended. Providing calcium and trace element supplements supports the health and shell integrity of these snails.

Behaviour

This species' behavior is primarily focused on foraging for algae and algae structures, contributing to the overall cleanliness of the aquarium. While not known for climbing, the Spiny Star Astraea's constant grazing helps prevent algae overgrowth and maintains a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

Feeding and Diet

As a herbivore, the Spiny Star Astraea's diet consists mainly of algae, including hair algae, cyanobacteria, and diatoms. Supplemental feeding with blanched spinach, lettuce, and vegetable-based tablets ensures a varied and balanced nutritional intake.

Habitat and Distribution

The Spiny Star Astraea is native to marine environments and is commonly found in regions with algae-rich habitats. Their distribution spans areas with suitable algae food sources, reflecting their ecological niche as algae grazers.