Margarites pupillus

Sexing

 * These snails are difficult to sex and are not known to breed in captivity. These are not hermaphroditic snails.

Tank compatibility

 * An entirely reef-safe snail, will graze on most algaes. Do not keep with aggressive fish or other invertebrates that may attack or kill it to include Hermit Crabs.

Diet

 * An excellent algae eater, when necessary you can supplement with dried seaweed. They can starve if not enough algae is present in the tank.

Feeding regime

 * Supplement when necessary.

Environment Specifics

 * Prefers cooler temperatures but can tolerate up to . Keep with peaceful fish and a tank with plenty of algae growth to graze on. For this reason they do best in mature tanks with well established live rock.

Behaviour

 * A very peaceful snail which will concentrate its attentions on algae and not harm corals or other reef-dwellers. Benefits from calcium additives and is sensitive to water chemistry.

Identification

 * Has a smooth turban-like shell with slight iridescence. The shell can vary from silver-grey to brown in colour.