Astraea tecta

Datasheet

General Description

The Astraea Turbo Snail, scientifically known as Astraea tecta, showcases an olive green pyramid-shaped shell with some individuals having projections that resemble a star, earning it its aliases of Astraea Star Snail or Astraea Conehead Snail. This species is a peaceful herbivore that thrives in well-established aquariums, boasting a maximum size of 2.5cm.

Aquarium Suitability

Astraea Turbo Snails are suitable for aquariums with ample hiding spots and enough space for them to move around. They are beneficial for keeping algae-covered live rock clean and can also clean the aquarium glass. However, careful observation is needed as they struggle to self-right if overturned, and they are sensitive to high nitrate levels.

Care and Hardiness

Considered easy to care for, the Astraea Turbo Snail requires a stable environment with gradual acclimation and a herbivorous diet supplemented with blanched vegetables and tablet foods rich in calcium and trace elements. They are not climbers like some other snail species and should not be exposed to copper-based medications.

Reef Suitability

Reef enthusiasts can rejoice as the Astraea Turbo Snail is reef-compatible, adding both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits by consuming nuisance algae and contributing to the overall cleanliness of the reef environment.

Aquarium Setup

The ideal aquarium setup for Astraea Turbo Snails includes well-established tanks with suitable hiding spots, stable water conditions (pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.023-1.025, alkalinity 8-12 dKH), and a diet rich in algae and supplemented with vegetables and trace element-rich foods.

Behaviour

Peaceful in temperament, Astraea Turbo Snails diligently clean algae-covered surfaces and live rock, contributing to a healthier aquarium environment. They are not climbers and can struggle if overturned due to their shell structure.

Feeding and Diet

As herbivores, Astraea Turbo Snails primarily feed on algae, including hair algae, cyanobacteria, and diatoms. To supplement their diet, blanched spinach or lettuce, as well as vegetable-based tablet foods containing calcium and trace elements, can be provided.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

Details about dimorphism and captive reproduction for Astraea Turbo Snails are not covered in the available information.

Habitat and Distribution

Astraea Turbo Snails are native to marine habitats and are typically found in regions with ample algae growth to support their herbivorous diet. Their distribution spans suitable marine environments where they can fulfill their role as algae cleaners.