Spiny Turbo - Astraea sp

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

As this listing covers Astraea at genus level rather than one identified species, exact adult size can vary. Aquarium references commonly list Astraea-type snails from around 2.5 cm upwards depending on species.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Astraea-type snails inhabit tropical marine environments where they occur on rocky surfaces, reef structure and other hard substrates supporting natural algae growth.

They spend much of their time grazing exposed surfaces and retreating amongst rockwork when required.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Copper: Must be avoided

Temperament:
Peaceful

Spiny Turbo Snails are peaceful marine grazers and are generally compatible with suitable reef fish, corals and other clean-up crew inhabitants.

They do not display territorial or predatory behaviour and may be maintained singly or in groups where sufficient natural food is available.

Diet:
Algae Grazer / Herbivore

The Spiny Turbo feeds primarily on naturally occurring algae and biofilm.

It is particularly useful for grazing film algae and diatoms from live rock, aquarium glass and other hard surfaces. Astraea snails are widely used as reef clean-up crew grazers for this reason.

In very clean aquariums where natural algae becomes limited, supplementary foods such as dried nori, algae wafers or other suitable marine herbivore preparations can be offered.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 60 litres

A mature aquarium with established live rock and sufficient grazing surfaces is more important than aquarium volume alone. UK aquarium references commonly recommend around 60 litres for Astraea spp.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Spiny Turbo spends much of its time slowly travelling across live rock and aquarium glass while continuously grazing.

Its relatively compact size allows it to reach areas between rockwork that larger grazing snails may struggle to access.

Astraea-type snails can sometimes have difficulty righting themselves if they fall upside down onto open substrate. They should therefore be checked periodically and gently turned upright if necessary.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe

The Spiny Turbo is considered reef safe and does not normally damage healthy coral tissue.

Its primary role within the aquarium is grazing nuisance algae and biofilm, making it particularly useful in established reef systems.

Loose coral frags should still be secured, as any grazing snail may occasionally dislodge lightweight items while moving across rockwork.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature marine aquarium containing established live rock and natural algae growth.

Stable salinity and water chemistry are important, and careful acclimation is recommended when introducing marine snails.

Copper-based medications must never be used in an aquarium containing this species.

Monitor food availability once nuisance algae has been reduced. Supplementary algae-based foods may be necessary in exceptionally clean aquariums.

Check individuals that fall onto their backs, particularly on open sand, as some Astraea snails may struggle to right themselves unaided.

Avoid housing them with known mollusc predators such as many triggerfish, puffers and larger predatory wrasses.

Suitable for:
Beginner

Availability:
Regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the invert you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.