Spiny Turbo (Astraea sp.)
The Spiny Turbo is a hardy and useful marine snail recognised for its distinctive cone-shaped shell, often featuring pronounced ridges or spiny projections. Peaceful and reef safe, it spends much of its time grazing film algae, diatoms and other nuisance algae from live rock and aquarium glass. Its compact size and continuous grazing behaviour make it a useful addition to established marine clean-up crews.
Common Name
Spiny Turbo, Spiny Astraea Snail, Astraea Turbo Snail
Scientific Name (Latin)
Astraea sp.
Maximum Size
Approximately 3–5 cm
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Behavior | Grazes on film algae, diatoms, and nuisance algae |
| Compatibility | Reef safe, peaceful, suitable for established marine tanks |
| Shell Shape | Cone-shaped with spiny or ridged projections |
FAQ
Is the Spiny Turbo safe to keep with other marine species?
Yes, the Spiny Turbo is reef safe and peaceful, making it suitable for cohabitation with other marine invertebrates and fish.
How does the Spiny Turbo contribute to tank maintenance?
It continuously grazes on film algae, diatoms, and other nuisance algae, helping to keep live rock and glass clean without causing damage to corals or other inhabitants.
What is the typical size of a Spiny Turbo?
The maximum size is approximately 3–5 cm.
Nicola Vaughan –
Added a Spiny Turbo to my 120-liter reef tank last month. It’s been actively grazing on algae on the live rock and glass. No aggression or disturbances observed. Works well with my clownfish and small corals. A reliable and quiet cleaner.
Liam James –
The snail arrived healthy and has been active since setup. It’s not aggressive and doesn’t seem to eat anything other than algae. I appreciate its quiet presence and the way it helps maintain cleanliness without stress to other tank inhabitants.
Anna Wright –
Great addition to my marine tank. The spiny shell is unique and the snail is very active in cleaning algae. I’ve kept it for over three months and it’s still thriving. No issues with compatibility or behavior.