Turbo Snail (Turbo fluctuosa) Care Guide
A large, powerful marine algae grazer that can clear significant amounts of nuisance algae from rocks and glass. One of the best cleanup crew members for reef tanks.
Overview
Turbo fluctuosa is a species in the family Turbinidae. A large, powerful marine algae grazer that can clear significant amounts of nuisance algae from rocks and glass. One of the best cleanup crew members for reef tanks. Prefers cooler reef temperatures and may struggle in very warm tanks.
Taxonomy
- Family: Turbinidae
- Genus: Turbo
- Scientific name: Turbo fluctuosa
- Other names: Mexican Turbo Snail
- Origin: Eastern Pacific, Mexico
Habitat
Turbo fluctuosa, a large turban snail from rocky intertidal and subtidal zones of the eastern Pacific off Mexico. A powerful algae grazer used to control nuisance film and hair algae on reef rockwork; reef-safe and entirely herbivorous.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- KH: 8-12 dKH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: 3-6 cm
- Lifespan: 3-8 years
- Difficulty: beginner
Diet
Classified as herbivore. Recommended feeding frequency: continuous grazer. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: peaceful
- Position in tank: bottom
- Compatible tank mates: Any Reef-Safe Fish, Other Snails, Hermit Crabs
- Avoid with: Triggerfish, Pufferfish, Large Wrasses
Reef compatibility
Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.