Mexican Turbo Snail

Mexican Turbo Snails have always been very popular in the saltwater aquarium community due to their ability to quickly eliminate large amounts of nuisance algae. They are especially good at targeting hair algae and can clear large sections of it from your live rock, substrate or aquarium glass. Mexican Turbo Snails make excellent additions to any aquarium clean up crew and enjoy large spaces to graze as well as having plentiful hiding places, like crevices and holes in the rockwork. Mexican Turbo Snails are very peaceful, and you should avoid putting them with aggressive tank mates as they are slow moving and can easily become prey for larger, more aggressive fishes.

Introduction to Mexican Turbo Snail (Powerful Algae Grazer & Cleanup Crew Essential)

Mexican turbo snails (Turbo fluctuosa) are large, highly efficient algae eaters known for their ability to rapidly clear hair algae, diatoms, and film algae from rocks and glass. Their strong foot and durable shell make them ideal for high-flow reef environments, where they actively graze on problem algae. These snails are a must-have for algae control, but due to their larger size and strong grip, they can sometimes knock over loose corals and rockwork, requiring careful aquascaping.

Care Requirements

Care Level: Easy – Adaptable but requires stable conditions Minimum Tank Size: 30+ gallons Aquarium Setup: Requires ample rockwork and glass surfaces for grazing Mexican turbo snails prefer cooler reef temperatures (74-78°F) and thrive in high-flow environments, which mimic their natural habitat.

Diet & Nutrition

Mexican turbo snails are herbivorous grazers, consuming a wide variety of nuisance algae. Diet: Herbivorous – Prefers hair algae, diatoms, and film algae Recommended Foods: Naturally occurring algae on rocks and glass Hair algae and diatoms Supplemental dried seaweed if natural food sources are low Unlike some other snails, Mexican turbo snails require a consistent algae source, making them best suited for larger, established tanks with steady algae growth.

Lifespan & Growth Rate

Lifespan: 3-5 years Growth Rate: Moderate – Can grow up to 3 inches Mexican turbo snails are one of the largest commonly available algae-eating snails, requiring ample space to move and graze.

Temperament & Compatibility

Temperament: Peaceful – Does not interact with or harm tankmates Reef Safe? Yes – Does not harm corals, fish, or invertebrates

Common Challenges & Considerations

Can Knock Over Corals & Rocks: Due to their large size and strong grip, they may dislodge loose coral frags or unstable rock structures. Needs Ample Algae Growth: If algae levels are low, supplemental feeding is required. Flipping Over: Unlike trochus snails, Mexican turbo snails cannot always right themselves if flipped over, requiring occasional assistance. To prevent issues, ensure corals and rockwork are securely placed, and monitor for signs of food shortages.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 74-78°F dKH (Alkalinity): 8-12 pH: 8.1-8.4 Specific Gravity: 1.024-1.026