The Mexican Turbo Snail, a.k.a. Trochus Snail or Turbo Grazer, is a very powerful algae eater. These snails can be placed directly on algae patches, including cyanobacteria, and you can watch as they mow right through the algae. These snails are nocturnal and do most of their work at night. They will forage on diatoms and cyano that grows on live rock and aquarium glass. These snails will continue to grow their shell over time, if the aquarium is kept at proper calcium levels. More than one can be kept in each aquarium to keep algae growth down. Keep one per 20 gallons.Snails belong to a Class known as Gastropods, which make up the largest class of Mollusks. Snails grow by increasing their swirling body while producing a protective shell. This shell protects their soft body from predators. They will use a pad, or foot, that extends from their shell which allows them to drag their shell along. As they drag their shell often times their mouth and eyes can be seen coming out from the opening of the shell. When frightened or sleeping this opening can be protected by an operculum, which is a hard protective cover that acts like a door to the shell. Snail identification is based on the color, shape, and pattern of their shell.
