Zebra Turbo Snail

Zebra Turbo Snail (Turbo sp. or Turbo fluctuosa)

The Zebra Turbo Snail is a popular marine aquarium snail known for its algae-eating abilities and striking appearance. It's especially common in reef tank setups.

Description

• Scientific Name: Turbo fluctuosa (common species), though "Turbo sp." is often used for various unidentified species.

• Common Names: Zebra Turbo Snail, Turbo Snail

• Appearance:

  • Shell is thick and round, with spiral bands.

  • Distinctive zebra-like stripes in white and dark brown or black.

  • Foot is large, with a trapdoor (operculum) they use to close up when threatened.

• Size: Typically grows up to 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter.

• Origin: Indo-Pacific, particularly around Fiji, Tonga, and other Pacific islands.

Diet and Feeding

• Primary Diet: Algae (especially film and diatoms)

• Supplemental Feeding: If algae is scarce, offer:

  • Dried seaweed (nori)

  • Algae wafers

  • Blanched vegetables like zucchini

• Feeding Tip: These snails are grazers—they prefer to eat continuously throughout the day.

Care Tips

• Acclimation: Use a drip acclimation method to prevent shock from salinity or pH changes.

• Handling: Avoid placing them upside-down—they struggle to right themselves.

• Copper Warning: Do not use copper-based medications in tanks housing snails—it’s toxic to invertebrates.

• Algae Balance: Only add them if there is enough algae or you can supplement their diet.

Things to Watch Out For

• Toppling: They often fall off glass or rocks. If they land upside-down and stay that way too long, they can die.

• Starvation: In algae-free or overly clean tanks, Turbo snails can starve.

• Tank Mates: Avoid keeping them with aggressive fish or predatory inverts like certain crabs.