Strawberry Trochus Snail (Trochus histrio) Care Guide
Trochus histrio is a pyramid-shelled top snail with maroon banding, kept in reef tanks as a hardy grazer of film algae, diatoms and cyanobacteria.
Overview
Trochus histrio, sold as the Strawberry or Banded Trochus Snail, is a top snail of the family Trochidae. It has a pale grey, pyramid- or top-shaped shell marked with maroon bands and a dark foot that is paler on the underside. Like other Trochus, it is one of the few reef snails able to right itself if knocked over.
Taxonomy
- Family: Trochidae
- Genus: Trochus
- Scientific name: Trochus histrio
Habitat
The species inhabits shallow intertidal and subtidal areas, predominantly reef flats rich in turf algae, cyanobacteria, diatoms and detritus.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-12
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Adult shell size: 2-4 cm
- Lifespan: 2-5 years
- Live rock and glass surfaces for grazing
Diet
It is a herbivorous grazer that consumes film algae, diatoms and cyanobacteria from rock and glass. In sparse tanks the diet should be supplemented with dried algae.
Compatibility
A peaceful, reef-safe snail that does not harm corals or tankmates. It is reported to reproduce readily in well-maintained reef aquariums. Predatory fish such as triggerfish and pufferfish should be avoided.