Care
The Turban Snail is a tropical gastropod, known from rocky shores to a depth of 5m (16ft). These snails are very active grazers with a fondness for consuming large quantities of algae, and as such are a popular choice for the reef aquarium. The shells are conical and coiled, white, beige, or light grey in colour, and maculated with brown, grey, or green, often with fine spiral ridges and beading. They lack an anterior spout. There is a circular aperture that extends from the body, and a brown horny operculum that closes the aperture when the snail retracts. The eyes are located at the base of a large tentacle on either side of the head, with numerous small, and several larger (typically eight) sensory tentacles extending from the aperture on each side and behind the animal. Tankmates should be of a peaceful nature - avoid any boisterous/aggressive companions. The number of specimens you can keep together will depend on space, and on availability of food (algae) for them to graze upon. A very rough guide would be to allow around 100 litres of water per snail for sufficient grazing/nutrition (and this is provided that you don't keep other algae eaters). Ensure that all structures are stable, as these snails are capable of bulldozing small sized rocks around in their ongoing search for food. Acclimatise very carefully using the drip method, as these snails are sensitive to fluctuations in water chemistry and temperature. Ensure nitrate is kept to an absolute minimum at all times, and avoid using copper-based medication in an aquarium housing invertebrates. May also be seen on sale as Tectus Snail, Pyramid Top Shell Snail, Fenestrate Top Snail, Latticed Top Snail, or False Trochus Snail.
Feeding
Herbivorous. Must be provided with an ongoing source of diatoms and microalgae. Supplement the diet with herbivorous tablet foods and dried seaweed.
Breeding
Turban Snails have reproduced in mature reef aquaria. This species is a gonochoric broadcast spawner which expels gametes into the water column. The embryos develop into planktonic trocophore larvae and later into juvenile veligers, before transforming into adult snails.
