Astraea tecta

Sexing

 * Not possible. Can lay eggs in the aquarium which will appear as small white dots on the glass.

Tank compatibility

 * Peaceful reef-friendly snail. An essential part of the clean-up crew. Avoid keeping with aggressive invertebrates such as Mantis shrimp.

Diet

 * Grazes on algae, mainly cyanobacteria and diatoms. Diet can be supplemented with blanched spinach or lettuce, and vegetable based tablet foods.

Environment Specifics

 * Can be sensitive to water quality, will not tolerate high nitrates or any copper-based medication in the tank. Prefers a tank with lots of live rock to craze on and hide amongst. Will be happy as long as there's algae for them to eat. Needs an SG of 1.023-1.025.

Behaviour

 * Will be found constantly grazing around the tank. Must be observed regularly as if this snail falls on it's back, it will not be able to right itself.

Identification

 * Olive green rough cone shaped shell, pale flesh. Has excellent camouflage when hiding in live rock.