Turbo/Astrea Snail

Astrea tecta


(36 Reviews)

Turbo/Astrea Snail
Boasting a distinctive star-shaped shell, the Astrea Snail is a gem for any saltwater aquarium. With minimal care needs and its appetite for algae, it's not only beautiful but also beneficial, keeping tanks clean and healthy.

Turbo/Astrea Snail

Astrea tecta


(36 Reviews)

Free Shipping

With $199.00 or more in Marine Life.
More details...

Turbo/Astrea Snail Care Facts

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Herbivore
Origin: Western Atlantic
Minimum Tank Size: 5 Gallons
Acclimation Time: 2+ hours
Reef Safe: Yes
Coral Safe: Yes
Invertebrate Safe: Yes
Lighting: ~
Placement: ~
Waterflow: ~

The Turbo Snail, Astrea tecta, also known as the Astrea Snail, features a pale shell sometimes with striping. It is peaceful but shouldn't be housed with predatory fish or crabs that may attack it. The Turbo Snail prefers tanks with plenty of live rock to hide and forage for algae. They can be incredibly beneficial tank members for their penchant for algae-eating. It is reef safe and won't nip corals or other inverts. Like most snails, the Turbo requires minimal care and is an excellent choice for any home aquarium. They are the most popular snail species in the entire aquarium trade. 



Turbo Astraea Snail (Astraea tecta): A Must Have for Saltwater Marine Aquariums

The Turbo Astraea Snail (Astraea tecta) is a practical and efficient addition to saltwater marine aquariums, recognized for its practical nature and unobtrusive presence. This comprehensive guide presents factual information about the Turbo Astraea Snail, covering essential aspects of its care and compatibility within your aquarium setting.

Habitat of the Turbo Astraea Snail

Inhabiting the rocky intertidal zones along the western coasts of North America, from California to Alaska, the Turbo Astraea Snail prefers environments with substantial algae growth, contributing to its diet and sustenance.

Reef Safe Nature of the Turbo Astraea Snail

The Turbo Astraea Snail is unequivocally reef safe, as its primary diet is algae. It poses no threat to coral or other invertebrates within the aquarium.

Size of the Turbo Astraea Snail

With a typical size ranging from 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in diameter, the Turbo Astraea Snail's compact proportions render it a suitable fit for various aquarium sizes.

Lifespan of the Turbo Astraea Snail

Under proper care, Turbo Astraea Snails can thrive for approximately 2 to 3 years, making them valuable long-term additions to your marine setup.

Molting Behavior of the Turbo Astraea Snail

Unlike crustaceans, snails do not undergo molting. Instead, they gradually grow, with their shells expanding to accommodate their increasing size.

Diet and Feeding Habits of the Turbo Astraea Snail

Turbo Astraea Snails are obligate herbivores, consuming a diet primarily composed of various algae forms. They are pivotal in maintaining algae growth within the aquarium, contributing to its aesthetic and ecological balance.

Compatibility and Temperament of the Turbo Astraea Snail

With a peaceful and non-aggressive temperament, the Turbo Astraea Snail coexists harmoniously with a wide range of tank mates, as long as they are not predators that may target or disrupt them.

Suitable Tank Mates for the Turbo Astraea Snail

Selecting suitable companions for the Turbo Astraea Snail involves choosing species that complement its algae-eating role. Compatible tank mates include the Blue Leg Hermit Crab, the Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab, the Banded Coral Shrimp, the Royal Gramma, and the Pajama Cardinalfish.

Tank Requirements for the Turbo Astraea Snail

For the optimal care of Turbo Astraea Snails, provide a tank with a minimum capacity of 5 gallons, along with appropriate aquascaping, water conditions, and lighting requirements.

Other Common Names for the Turbo Astraea Snail

The Turbo Astraea Snail is also called the Astrea Snail, Astrea Snail, or Turban Snail.

Why Choose Turbo Astraea Snails from Saltwaterfish.com

When purchasing Turbo Astraea Snails from Saltwaterfish.com, you're securing a functional and practical addition to your marine aquarium. Our commitment to ethical sourcing and responsible practices ensures you receive healthy and vibrant snails that contribute to your tank's aesthetics and balance. Saltwaterfish.com's reputable standing and dedication to marine life make us a reliable choice for acquiring these beneficial snails.

In summary, the Turbo Astraea Snail is an effective algae controller and contributes to your saltwater marine aquarium's overall cleanliness and health. Adhering to its specific care requirements and providing a suitable environment can foster its longevity and positive impact within your aquatic ecosystem.


Reviewed by: Tracey Tullis on Sept. 30, 2024


Reviewed by: Rachel Harrison on Sept. 15, 2024


Reviewed by: Scott Olson on Aug. 28, 2024


Reviewed by: Chris Reiter on Aug. 17, 2024

Great and well cleaning up my tank


Reviewed by: Moises Pellot on Aug. 13, 2024


Reviewed by: Maurice Taylor on Aug. 13, 2024

I’m happy I was finally able to find some of these in stock they are all out around the entire tank. I’m amazed how quickly they get around a 6 ft tank.


Reviewed by: James Mauro on Aug. 6, 2024


Reviewed by: Gary Sparks on July 16, 2024


Reviewed by: Anthony Avitable on July 15, 2024


Reviewed by: Lucas Bernosky on June 18, 2024

Snails - what can you say about them. They were all active and out almost immediately after acclimation.


Reviewed by: Brian Clark on May 13, 2024

They are already doing their job of cleaning my rock!!


Reviewed by: Sheila on April 10, 2024


Reviewed by: Brianne Goodon on April 4, 2024


Reviewed by: Gene Kleinschmit on April 3, 2024


Reviewed by: Lindy Grabiec on March 17, 2024


Reviewed by: Amanda Northcutt on March 6, 2024


Reviewed by: William Chester on Feb. 25, 2024


Reviewed by: Barbara Macey on Dec. 18, 2023


Reviewed by: Erin Holmes on Dec. 17, 2023


Reviewed by: Devlin Duvenhage on Nov. 26, 2023


Reviewed by: Steven Wener on Nov. 12, 2023


Reviewed by: Chris Brault on Nov. 5, 2023


Reviewed by: Chris Hobbins on Oct. 25, 2023


Reviewed by: Joe Pisecco on Oct. 16, 2023


Reviewed by: Phillip Gross on Aug. 30, 2023


Reviewed by: Tim White on Aug. 13, 2023


Reviewed by: Gregory Spires on Aug. 9, 2023


Reviewed by: Steve Starr on Aug. 7, 2023

They really do move quickly. I love having them in my tank. I have a good lid but a couple of tiny holes - no escapes. Also, I don't have an algae problem.


Reviewed by: John Atella on June 7, 2022

They are alive and well. Very active; always looking around for foods


Reviewed by: Esther Murphy on Sept. 27, 2017

I just received my various invert clean up crew. I ordered turbos, hermit crabs and nassarius snails. All items arrived alive and with clean shells. I placed them in the tank and all started to clean right away. Best place to order clean up crew since running my reef tank in 2004! I'll be sure to order from here again.


Reviewed by: John Nicolosi on Aug. 15, 2017

The Turbo Snail got to work right a way in my 10 gallon nano-tank. Enjoy watching him graze away, keeping everything cleaned up


Reviewed by: Michelle Owen on Jan. 9, 2017

Best snails for your money. Amazing how much they can eat. Makes you wonder where they put all that algae!!!


Reviewed by: Lawrence Page on Oct. 9, 2016

These snails are a great addition to my cleaning crew.


Reviewed by: Pamela Ondich on Aug. 27, 2016

This another animal I won't be without when I set up a new tank, they are worth their weight in gold. They just keep cleaning your glass and never complain. Plus they are great to look at with that good looking shell.


Reviewed by: Dickie52 on March 18, 2015


Reviewed by: Barry Mccool Sr on Sept. 13, 2014

Join the club! Get our best deals first!

Be The First To Hear About Our Exclusive Deals & Latest Updates!