Care
Turbo Snails (Astraea spp.) are known from a variety of shallow habitats, including coastal lagoons, intertidal coral reefs, offshore reefs, rocky shores, and sub-tidal reefs. Here, these marine gastropods may be found in areas with boulders, rocks, and rubble, actively grazing on the rich, natural coating of microalgae. The enthusiastic search for algae continues in the home aquarium and as a result, these snails have long been a popular choice for reef set-ups. The shells are conical and coiled, beige, grey, or white in colour, often encrusted with pink coralline or green algae. The circumference of the shell tends to have longitudinal ridges or prominent raised spikes at regular intervals, and when viewed from above, has a star shape - hence the alternative common name of Star Snails. They lack an anterior spout, and there is a circular white calcareous operculum that closes the aperture when the snail retracts its white or beige body. The eyes are located at the base of a large tentacle on either side of the head. 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. Please be aware that some Astraea species originate from temperate waters, and as such, would not do well in a tropical marine set-up. When purchasing Turbo Snails, do check with your vendor that they have been sourced from tropical waters.
Feeding
Herbivorous. Must be provided with an ongoing source of diatoms/microalgae. Supplement the diet with herbivorous tablet foods and dried seaweed.
Breeding
Turbo 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.
