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SnailbeginnerSaltwater

Trochus Snail

Trochus sp.

AnimaliaMolluscaGastropodaTrochidae

📍 Indo-Pacific Reefs

Ask Finn

Conical-shelled snail that rights itself when knocked over — unlike turbo snails. Efficient algae grazer on glass and rock. Reef-safe and long-lived.

Size2"
Min Tank10g
peaceful
Zoneall

Care Guide

Diet

Trochus snails are primarily algae grazers that consume diatoms, filamentous algae, and biofilm from glass and rock surfaces. They do not require supplemental feeding in established tanks with adequate algae growth, but in newer or heavily cleaned tanks, occasional algae wafers or blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini) can be offered. Feed 2-3 times weekly if supplementing, removing uneaten food after 24 hours.

Behavior

Trochus snails are nocturnal and spend most of their time grazing methodically across tank surfaces. Unlike turbo snails, they possess a strong righting reflex and can flip themselves over if knocked down, making them more resilient in active tanks. They are completely peaceful and will not bother fish, corals, or other invertebrates.

Breeding

Breeding Trochus snails in captivity is extremely rare and difficult. They are broadcast spawners requiring specific environmental triggers and planktonic larvae development that is nearly impossible to replicate in home aquariums. Captive-bred specimens are virtually unavailable; wild-caught individuals are the norm.

Common Diseases

Shell Erosion

Symptoms

Pitting, roughness, or dissolution of shell surface; weakened shell integrity

Treatment

Maintain stable pH 8.1-8.4 and calcium levels; ensure adequate alkalinity (8-12 dKH); perform regular water changes

Parasitic Infection

Symptoms

Lethargy, reduced grazing activity, visible parasites on foot or shell

Treatment

Quarantine affected snail; perform 25% water changes; avoid copper-based treatments; improve water quality and nutrition

Starvation

Symptoms

Withdrawn behavior, failure to graze, visible weight loss, shell becomes dull

Treatment

Increase algae growth by reducing tank cleaning frequency; supplement with algae wafers; ensure adequate lighting for algae development

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Foul odor from shell, tissue damage, mucus production, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality through increased aeration and water changes; maintain optimal temperature and salinity; remove snail if severely affected

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Quick Facts

pH
8.1–8.4
diet
algae grazer
salinity
1.023–1.025 SG
minTankSize
10 gallons
temperature
75–81°F (24–27°C)

Temperature

75–81°F

24–27°C

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by0 hobbyists