Astraea Conehead Snail
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The Astraea Conehead Snail has a unique shell and a ravenous appetite for algae. Unlike many bottom dwellers that are dressed in drab colors to better camouflage themselves against the sand bottoms, Astraea tecta boasts a pyramid-shape shell with beautiful, olive green coloration. Since some individuals have projections on the shell that give it a star-like outline, the Astraea Conehead is also known as the Astraea Star Snail.
Though interesting to observe in your home aquarium, the Astraea Conehead Snail serves a greater function of cleaning algae-covered live rock. It is very adept at keeping your aquarium clean. In fact, this small herbivore prefers to feed on nuisance hair algae, as well as cyanobacteria and diatoms. Some aquarists also report that the Astraea Conehead Snail actually consumes the entire hair algae structure, which helps prevent immediate further algae growth.
The Astraea Conehead Snail prefers well-established aquariums with ample hiding places and sufficient room to roam. In addition to eating algae off of your live rock, this member of the Astraeinae family will also clean your aquarium glass. However, the Astraea Conehead Snail is not known to be climbers like other smaller-shelled snail species. Care needs to be taken to observe the daily activities of this hungry snail since it is unable to right itself if it falls or is knocked upside down.
Like other invertebrates, the Astrae Conehead Snail is sensitive to high nitrate levels and will not tolerate copper-based medications. The Astraea Conehead Snail requires a gradual acclimation period, preferably the drip acclimation method, he often over two hours, since it cannot tolerate even minute changes in water parameters. If sufficient food levels are not present, supplement the diet with blanched spinach or lettuce and vegetable-based tablet foods.
Quick Stats:
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, dKH 8-12
Max. Size: 1"
Color Form: Green
Diet: Herbivore
Origin: Caribbean
Family: Astraeinae

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