Tapestry Turbo Snail (Turbo petholatus) Care Guide
Turbo petholatus is an Indo-Pacific marine snail with a polished marbled shell and a bright green operculum, kept in reef tanks as an algae grazer.
Overview
Turbo petholatus is a marine gastropod in the family Turbinidae, described by Linnaeus in 1758. It is known as the tapestry turban for its solid, polished and shining shell patterned in rich brown with dark bands, white blotches and narrow stripes. The species is widely traded for reef aquariums, where it grazes algae from rock and glass.
Taxonomy
- Family: Turbinidae
- Genus: Turbo
- Scientific name: Turbo petholatus
- Authority: Linnaeus, 1758
Habitat
The species occurs in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean off Madagascar, Mozambique, Chagos and Mauritius, and across the West Pacific from Western Australia to southern Queensland. It is a shallow-water reef gastropod associated with hard substrates.
Description
The imperforate shell reaches about 30 to 100 mm in length and has five flattened whorls with a circular aperture that is pearly within. The circular operculum has a bright green centre, giving rise to the name cat's-eye; one side is margined brown and the other white.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-12
- Lifespan: 1-3 years
Diet
Turbinid turbo snails are herbivores that graze continuously on algae using a radula. In aquaria they consume film algae, diatoms and filamentous growth; when algae are scarce, supplemental feeding helps prevent starvation.
Compatibility
The snail is peaceful and reef-safe, sharing tanks with most reef fish and corals. Predatory species such as triggerfish and pufferfish should be avoided, as they prey on snails.
Breeding
Reproduction involves a planktonic larval stage, which makes captive breeding impractical for home aquarists.