Olive Sand Sifting Periscope Snail

Olive Sand Sifting Snail (Periscope Snail)
Oliva sayana or similar species

The Olive Snail, often called the Periscope Snail, is a highly efficient sand-sifter that uses its long siphon to search for food while buried in the substrate. These unique, torpedo-shaped snails are great for stirring sand and removing leftover food and waste — but should be added with caution to tanks with smaller snails.

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Easy

• Temperament: Peaceful to Opportunistic

• Color Form: Olive-green to gray, smooth shell with long siphon

• Diet: Carnivore – eats leftover food, detritus, and occasionally small snails

• Reef Compatible: ✅ Yes (with caution in mixed snail systems)

• Water Parameters:

  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025

  • Temperature: 72–78°F

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

• Max Size: 1.5–2 inches

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

Why We Like Them:

• Great for cleaning and aerating the sand bed

• Unique “periscope” behavior using their extended siphon

• Helps reduce detritus and uneaten food

• Active and visible when food is present

⚠️ Pro Tip:
While usually peaceful, Olive Snails may hunt and eat smaller snails if food is limited. Best used in tanks with fewer delicate snails like bumble bees or ceriths, and always keep them well-fed.