Astrea Snail

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The Astrea snail (Astraea tecta) is one of the most effective and hardworking members of any reef cleanup crew. Prized by aquarists for its relentless appetite for nuisance algae, this herbivorous gastropod excels at consuming hair algae, diatoms, and film algae from rockwork, glass, and hard-to-reach crevices.

Why Astrea Snails Excel

• Algae-eating powerhouse: Consumes multiple types of problem algae including hair algae, microalgae, and diatom films
• Reef-safe and peaceful: Won't harm corals, fish, or invertebrates—ideal for mixed reef systems
• Active day and night: Constantly grazing to keep surfaces clean and algae under control
• Hardy and adaptable: Thrives in established reef aquariums with stable water parameters

Care Requirements

Temperature: 72–78°F
Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
pH: 8.1–8.4
Lighting: Moderate to high (supports natural algae growth for grazing)

Astrea snails require adequate calcium and stable alkalinity to maintain healthy shell growth. Supplement feeding is rarely needed in aquariums with natural algae, but sinking algae wafers can be offered if algae becomes scarce.

What to Expect

Astrea snails are tireless workers that will methodically graze across all aquarium surfaces. Unlike some snails, they cannot right themselves if flipped over, so occasional assistance may be needed. They are completely reef-safe and make an excellent addition to any cleanup crew alongside hermit crabs, Nassarius snails, and Cerith snails.

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