A small pyramid shell with a ridged, star-like base, grinding steadily across the glass and leaving a clean trail behind it. Among the most reliable algae workers a reef tank can employ.
Temperament
Common health issues
- Nutritional deficiency
- Dehydration
- Parasites
Care at a glance
- ExerciseLow
A calm, unhurried swimmer โ peaceful surroundings suit them best.
- GroomingEasy tank upkeep
No grooming here โ steady water quality and routine tank care do it.
- Living spaceNano-tank friendly
Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
- Owner experienceGreat first pet
Forgiving and easy to get started with.
- Commitment1โ3 years
Plan for a long, loving relationship.
Health to watch: Nutritional deficiency ยท Dehydration ยท Parasites
๐ Care guide
The Astraea Snail (Lithopoma tectum and related species) comes from the Caribbean and western Atlantic and reaches about 2 to 2.5 cm. Its conical, ridged shell is easy to recognise, and it grazes film algae and green hair algae from glass and rock more thoroughly than many larger snails. Add it to an established reef of 40 litres or more at 24-27C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4, with calcium and alkalinity maintained at normal reef levels for shell growth, and no copper medications. Drip acclimate slowly. The single most useful thing to know is that this species cannot right itself if it falls onto its back on the sand, and will die there over a day or two, so it is worth turning over any upended snail you notice. Stock roughly one snail per 10 to 20 litres, and be aware that in a very clean tank they can run out of algae and starve, in which case supplement with dried algae sheets.
Frequently asked questions
How active is a Astraea Snail?
Low. A calm, unhurried swimmer โ peaceful surroundings suit them best.
How much maintenance does a Astraea Snail need?
Easy tank upkeep. No grooming here โ steady water quality and routine tank care do it.
What tank size does a Astraea Snail need?
Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
Is a Astraea Snail a good fit for first-time owners?
Great first pet. Forgiving and easy to get started with.
How long do Astraea Snail live?
1โ3 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.
What health issues affect the Astraea Snail?
Keep an eye out for Nutritional deficiency, Dehydration, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.
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