Turban Snail

Meet your reef tank’s cleanup crew MVP—the Turban Snail. With its thick, beautifully spiraled shell and tireless appetite for algae, this hardy snail is a must-have for maintaining a pristine aquarium. It’s peaceful, reef-safe, and constantly on the move, scrubbing live rock, glass, and substrate alike.

🧼 Turban Snail Care Guide
About Turbo Snails
Named for their distinctive turban-shaped shells, these snails are part of the Turbo genus and are natural algae grazers. They’re extremely efficient at removing hair algae, film algae, and diatoms—making them one of the best utility inverts for reef keepers. They’re hardy, low-maintenance, and perfect for reefers of all levels.

🌍 Origin
Native to intertidal and reef zones throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including the Philippines and Fiji.

💡 Lighting Requirements
Turban snails have no specific lighting needs. They’ll thrive under any standard reef tank lighting used to support corals or live rock.

🌊 Water Flow
Adaptable to a range of flow conditions, but prefer moderate to strong flow zones where algae tends to grow. Make sure they can reach algae-covered surfaces safely.

🍽️ Feeding
These snails are natural grazers and will eat algae off rocks, glass, and even equipment. If algae becomes scarce, supplement their diet with algae wafers or dried seaweed (nori).

🧠 Behavior & Compatibility

• Completely reef-safe

• Peaceful with all fish, inverts, and corals

• May accidentally knock over loosely placed frags or small decorations due to their size and strength—secure items properly

🔄 Acclimation
Turban snails are sensitive to salinity changes. Use a drip acclimation method over 45–60 minutes for a smooth transition. Avoid exposing them to air during transfer—they can seal their operculum but prefer to stay submerged.

⚠️ Pro Tip: Always place them upright in the tank. If they fall on their back, they may struggle to flip over, especially on flat surfaces—give them a hand when needed!