Spiny Turbo Snail Astraea Phoebia

Description

Spiny Turbo Snail Astraea Phoebia

The Spiny Turbo Snail, also known as the Spiny Star Astraea Snail (Astraea phoebia), is a unique and visually striking invertebrate found in the western Atlantic Ocean, from Florida to Brazil. This snail has a pyramid-shaped shell with beautiful green, yellow, and tan coloration, and features pronounced projections that create a sculptured spiral star shape. The Spiny Turbo Snail is an excellent algae-eater, preferring to feed on nuisance hair algae, cyanobacteria, and diatoms.  It can help keep aquarium glass and live rock clean by consuming these unwanted algae. The Spiny Turbo Snail is considered a peaceful and reef-safe invertebrate that does not harm other creatures in the aquarium. It is suitable for both reef and fish-only tanks, and is recommended for beginner aquarists. However, it is sensitive to changes in water parameters, such as salinity and nitrate levels, and requires a gradual acclimation period when introduced to a new aquarium. The optimal water parameters for the Spiny Turbo Snail include a temperature range of 68-79°F (20-26°C), a specific gravity of 1.023-1.025, and a pH of 8.0-8.4. It prefers established aquariums with ample hiding places and sufficient room to roam. If the snail’s diet appears insufficient, it can be supplemented with blanched spinach, lettuce, or vegetable-based pellet foods.