Turbo Snail

The Turbo Snail, also known as the Turban Snail, or Top Shell, is found in holes and crevices of the reef. It is shaped like a top, or turban, and has a thick shell with an irridescent interior. (Snails of the Turbo genus are also called Turban Snails.)

It will do well in an aquarium if provided with ample places to hide and large amounts of room in which to graze, preferably with live rock. The Turbo Snail also grazes algae on the glass and is useful in keeping the algae under control in aquariums. Since the Turbo Snail uses calcium to build its shell, adequate calcium levels must be maintained in the home aquarium. It is very sensitive to high levels of copper-based medications and prefers a low nitrate level. It is extremely difficult to breed in an aquarium, and has no distinguishing characteristics to help differentiate it from its mate. If insufficient algae is present, the diet should be supplemented with dried seaweed.