Astrea Snail Care Guide
Lithopoma tectum is a Caribbean turban snail used as reef cleanup crew; it grazes film and hair algae effectively but cannot right itself if flipped onto sand.
Overview
Lithopoma tectum is a marine turban snail of the family Turbinidae. The shell is medium to large, turbinate or top-shaped, with an elevated, imperforate structure and radiately plicate whorls, closed by a calcareous, oval operculum with a granular exterior.
Taxonomy
- Family: Turbinidae
- Genus: Lithopoma
- Scientific name: Lithopoma tectum
- Common names: Astrea snail, star snail
Habitat
Lithopoma species inhabit the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the waters off the Lesser Antilles, where they live on reefs. They naturally occur on reef flats and are typically in contact with a hard surface.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Water flow: moderate
Diet
Astrea snails consume some fine hair algae, algal film on glass and rock, and some forms of cyanobacteria. They are effective grazers that can make notable progress on algae within a week.
Reef compatibility
The snail is peaceful and reef-safe, but a significant drawback is that Lithopoma species cannot right themselves once flipped onto sand and will die if not turned back by the aquarist. On their backs they are also vulnerable to hawkfish, triggerfish, wrasses and hermit crabs, so they should be placed foot-down on a hard surface.