Turbo Cateye Snail

Cateye Turbo Snails (Turbo brunneus)

Cateye turbo snails are efficient algae grazers named for their distinctive cat-eye shaped operculum (the "door" that closes their shell). These medium-sized snails are excellent additions to the clean-up crew, offering strong algae control while being more manageable in size than their Mexican turbo cousins.

Key Benefits:

Effective at controlling hair algae, film algae, and diatoms
Smaller and lighter than Mexican turbos, reducing the risk of knocking over frags
Hardy and adaptable to most reef conditions
Active grazers that work both day and night
Reef safe and peaceful
Care Requirements:

Temperature: 72-78°F
Salinity: 1.023-1.025 specific gravity
Diet: Herbivorous - grazes on algae; supplement with algae wafers or nori if natural algae is scarce
Reef Safe: Yes, completely safe with corals and other invertebrates
Acclimation: Drip acclimate for 45-60 minutes
Important Notes:
Cateye turbo snails are generally better at righting themselves if they fall compared to larger turbo species, but it's still good practice to check on them. They prefer well-established tanks with stable parameters and adequate algae growth. Like all snails, they are sensitive to copper-based medications and rapid salinity changes.

Recommended Stocking: 1 per 10-20 gallons, depending on algae levels