Astrea Snail

Astrea Snail
Astrea tecta

Astrea Snails are hardworking herbivores that thrive in reef tanks as part of a clean-up crew. They specialize in grazing on film algae, diatoms, and green algae, making them a go-to pick for natural algae control — especially on rockwork and glass.

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Easy

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Color Form: Gray to tan shell, often pyramid or turban-shaped

• Diet: Herbivore – grazes on algae and biofilm

• Reef Compatible: ✅ Yes

• Water Parameters:

  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025

  • Temperature: 72–78°F

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

• Max Size: 1 inch

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Why We Like Them:

• Excellent at controlling film and green algae

• Safe around all corals and inverts

• Inexpensive and highly efficient grazers

• No risk of overpopulation (do not breed in captivity)

⚠️ Pro Tip:
Astrea Snails can’t right themselves if they fall upside down — check on them occasionally and flip them back upright if needed.