Astraea
Snail
Family: Mollusca
Description:
The Astraea snail is identified by the sharp conical shell with pronounced
ridges circling the shell. The shell is normally a light tan in
color unless covered with coralline algae. Astraea remain moderately
small.
Natural Environment:
Caribbean
Care:
Reef Suitability: Astraea snails are one of the best
herbivores to include in the reef tank. They remain fairly small and so do
not have the tendency to knock over stuff like the larger growing turbo snail.
Disposition: Mild mannered as a snail can get.
Feeding: Astraea snails are herbivores and spend the day foraging for algae. They are not effective against long hair algae, but help to mow any short algae and keep it under control.
Hardiness: Very hardy once acclimated, but snails frequently die shortly after introduction due to lack of proper acclimation. Astraea snails also have the annoying habit that they cannot right themselves if they become dislodged and land on their back. Sometimes makes you wonder how they survive in the wild. If you notice one dislodged, you should right it to prevent its demise.
Temperature: Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of 75-84°F.
Further Reading:
Grazing Snails — Part ITurbo, Trochus, Astraea And Kin
By: Dr. Ronald Shimek
Basic shape of shell
Bottom view
Coralline covered
Astrea snail spawning
Tank cloudy from snail spawn
