Cateye Snail

The Cateye Snail (Turbo sp.) is an attractive and efficient marine snail known for its beautiful, operculum that resembles a cat's eye when closed. An excellent algae grazer, this snail consumes various algae types while adding visual interest with its unique shell appearance. Like other Turbo snails, it's a hardworking member of any clean-up crew, constantly grazing on surfaces to keep algae under control in marine aquariums.

Care Sheet – Cateye Snail (Turbo sp.)

Temperament

• Peaceful and non-aggressive

• Constant grazer, very active

Adult Size

• 1–2 inches

Minimum Tank Size

• 10 gallons

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–78°F

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.023–1.025

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Diet

• Herbivorous

• Grazes on various algae types

• Can be supplemented with:

  • Dried seaweed/nori

  • Algae wafers

  • Blanched vegetables

Behavior & Compatibility

• Excellent for all marine aquarium types

• Compatible with:

  • Peaceful fish and invertebrates

  • All coral types

• May be preyed upon by some crabs, wrasses, or puffers

Aquarium Setup

• Well-established tanks with algae growth

• Plenty of rock surfaces for grazing

• Stable water conditions

Care Level

• Easy

• Excellent for beginners

Lifespan

• 1–3 years

Special Notes

• Beautiful operculum resembles a cat's eye when closed

• Excellent algae consumer for marine systems

• Can right itself if overturned