Astarea Snail

Astrea Snail (Astraea tecta): Hardy, algae‑grazing snail with a distinctive conical shell often encrusted in pink, green, or purple coralline algae Compact and efficient member of reef cleanup crews Typically reaches 1–1.5 inches in diameter Excellent for controlling film algae and diatoms on rock and glass Origin & Habitat Native to the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, including Florida and the Bahamas Found on rocky reef zones and coral rubble fields Grazes continuously on algae and biofilm in shallow reef environments Temperament & Reef Safety Completely peaceful and reef‑safe Does not harm corals or other invertebrates May fall onto its back and require assistance to right itself in smooth‑bottom tanks Tank Requirements Suitable for nano to large reef systems Stable water parameters: 72–78°F, pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.023–1.025 Prefers moderate flow and abundant rock surfaces for grazing Avoid copper‑based treatments Diet Herbivore Consumes film algae, diatoms, and green microalgae Supplemental feeding rarely needed in established tanks Compatibility Works well with other peaceful cleanup‑crew species (hermits, trochus, ceriths) Avoid aggressive crabs or wrasses that may disturb or flip snails Ideal for mixed reef or FOWLR setups Why Hobbyists Love It Reliable algae control Attractive shell coloration and natural reef texture Hardy and easy to acclimate Complements Scarlet and Neon Orange Hermit Crabs in cleanup‑crew displays