Turbo Snails (Turbo bruneus)

The Turbo Snail is a highly effective algae-eating snail, known for its voracious appetite for a variety of nuisance algae, including film and hair algae. It is an essential part of the aquarium's cleanup crew, working tirelessly to keep rocks, glass, and other surfaces clean of algae buildup. Its hardy nature and ease of care make it a popular choice for both beginner and advanced marine aquarists.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 3 inches.
• Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum; larger tanks with plenty of live rock and surfaces for grazing are ideal.
• Diet: Herbivorous; primarily feeds on algae, including hair algae, film algae, and other organic material found on rocks, glass, and substrate. It may also accept supplemental feedings of algae wafers or seaweed if natural algae sources become scarce.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; completely reef-safe and compatible with other tank inhabitants, including fish, corals, and other invertebrates.
• Skill Level: Beginner; hardy and easy to care for, making it ideal for aquarists of all levels.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or invertebrates, and is particularly effective at controlling algae growth in reef environments.

Special Feature - Algae Control
The Turbo Snail is known for its ability to control nuisance algae, making it a valuable member of any cleanup crew. It will feed on various types of algae, including the problematic hair algae, helping to keep the tank free of excessive algae growth. However, it requires adequate algae sources, and if food becomes scarce, it should be supplemented with algae wafers or seaweed.

Handling Caution
Turbo Snails are known for their large, rounded shells and their strong grip on surfaces. However, they can occasionally become stuck on their backs, especially in tanks with sharp rock formations, and may require assistance flipping back over if they are unable to right themselves.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: Turbo Snails typically have thick, robust shells that range in color from light gray to brown, often covered with natural algae growth that helps them blend into their surroundings​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: The Turbo Snail is native to the Indo-Pacific, where it inhabits coral reefs and rocky coastal areas. It is commonly found grazing on algae in intertidal zones and along reef surfaces.