Astraea sp. - Astrea Snail

$3.00

The Astrea Snail (Astraea sp.) is a powerhouse addition to any marine reef aquarium, blending high-impact aesthetics with essential utility. Featuring a unique, conical shell resembling a jagged star, this industrious gastropod is a master of the "Answering Machine" era of fish keeping—serving as a natural biological control for film algae and hair algae. It is a dedicated grazer of rockwork and glass, making it a functional cornerstone of a healthy reef ecosystem.

This hardy snail thrives in established systems with stable calcium levels to support its shell growth. While generally reef-compatible and exceptionally peaceful, its primary role is keeping the rockwork pristine and preventing unsightly algae outbreaks. To ensure long-term health, provide an environment with plenty of surface area to graze and ensure the snail is placed upright if it falls, as they often struggle to right themselves on soft substrate.

Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual invertebrate you will receive.

Quick Specs

  • Care Level: Easy

  • Temperament: Peaceful

  • Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons

  • Diet: Herbivore

  • Reef Compatible: Yes

  • Max Size: 1 Inch

  • Water Conditions: 72 to 78°F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1 to 8.4, sg 1.023 to 1.025

Husbandry Notes

The Astrea Snail is a strategic choice for hobbyists looking for "maintenance efficiency" without the bulky footprint of larger turbo snails. Its ability to navigate tight crevices in rockwork adds a layer of kinetic utility to the aquarium that few other species can match. In the context of modern reef keeping, it is widely considered an essential "utility invertebrate." For maximum success, introduce these snails in small groups to facilitate comprehensive algae management across all surfaces.

Expert Shipping & Logistics

We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery from our Chicago-area facility to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these invertebrates from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.

The Astrea Snail (Astraea sp.) is a powerhouse addition to any marine reef aquarium, blending high-impact aesthetics with essential utility. Featuring a unique, conical shell resembling a jagged star, this industrious gastropod is a master of the "Answering Machine" era of fish keeping—serving as a natural biological control for film algae and hair algae. It is a dedicated grazer of rockwork and glass, making it a functional cornerstone of a healthy reef ecosystem.

This hardy snail thrives in established systems with stable calcium levels to support its shell growth. While generally reef-compatible and exceptionally peaceful, its primary role is keeping the rockwork pristine and preventing unsightly algae outbreaks. To ensure long-term health, provide an environment with plenty of surface area to graze and ensure the snail is placed upright if it falls, as they often struggle to right themselves on soft substrate.

Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual invertebrate you will receive.

Quick Specs

  • Care Level: Easy

  • Temperament: Peaceful

  • Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons

  • Diet: Herbivore

  • Reef Compatible: Yes

  • Max Size: 1 Inch

  • Water Conditions: 72 to 78°F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1 to 8.4, sg 1.023 to 1.025

Husbandry Notes

The Astrea Snail is a strategic choice for hobbyists looking for "maintenance efficiency" without the bulky footprint of larger turbo snails. Its ability to navigate tight crevices in rockwork adds a layer of kinetic utility to the aquarium that few other species can match. In the context of modern reef keeping, it is widely considered an essential "utility invertebrate." For maximum success, introduce these snails in small groups to facilitate comprehensive algae management across all surfaces.

Expert Shipping & Logistics

We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery from our Chicago-area facility to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these invertebrates from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.