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Trochus Snail
Trochus sp.
Animalia›Mollusca›Gastropoda›Trochidae
📍 Indo-Pacific Reefs
Conical-shelled snail that rights itself when knocked over — unlike turbo snails. Efficient algae grazer on glass and rock. Reef-safe and long-lived.
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.
Tank Mates
Reef-safe fish with similar water parameters and peaceful temperament
Compatible invertebrate with identical salinity and temperature requirements
Peaceful algae-eating fish that occupies different feeding zones
Small, reef-safe fish with no predatory interest in snails
Compatible snail species with identical care requirements and peaceful coexistence
Common Diseases
Shell Erosion
Pitting, roughness, or dissolution of shell surface; weakened shell integrity
Maintain stable pH 8.1-8.4 and calcium levels; ensure adequate alkalinity (8-12 dKH); perform regular water changes
Parasitic Infection
Lethargy, reduced grazing activity, visible parasites on foot or shell
Quarantine affected snail; perform 25% water changes; avoid copper-based treatments; improve water quality and nutrition
Starvation
Withdrawn behavior, failure to graze, visible weight loss, shell becomes dull
Increase algae growth by reducing tank cleaning frequency; supplement with algae wafers; ensure adequate lighting for algae development
Bacterial Infection
Foul odor from shell, tissue damage, mucus production, lethargy
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