Trochus Snails

When it comes to tank maintenance, Trochus snails are one of my favorite “big” snails that tirelessly tackle algae growth during the day but mostly at night.

The best part? Unlike some snails, Trochus can right themselves if they fall over, making them incredibly self-sufficient.

Balancing their algae consumption with the need for some controlled growth can be tricky for smaller or newer systems. This guide will help you learn how to care for these helpful gastropods in your reef tank.

What Trochus Snails Look Like

Trochus snails have conical shells with a distinctive pointed apex, often with banded patterns in brown, white, or cream shades. However, their smooth, glossy shells that would give them a polished appearance are often covered in various types of algae.

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If you’re confused about which type of snail you’ve got, Trochus snails have a black foot.

You might mistake them for:

Turbo Snails:

• Rounder, turban-shaped shells
• White or beige foot
• More active and can topple coral frags
• Similar algae-grazing diet

Astrea Snails:

• Pyramid-like shells with rougher texture
• Less pronounced banding
• Struggle to right themselves if overturned

Diet And Feeding

Trochus snails have a voracious appetite for algae, making them your ally in the battle against unwanted growth.

Here’s what they like to eat:

• Biofilm on rocks and glass (their favorite!)
• Diatoms, some hair algae, and brush algae
• Detritus and organic matter

You’ll often see Trochus snails grazing across rocks and glass. But don’t expect them to tackle your nuisance algae problems. They might help, but they won’t eliminate them.

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You might need to supplement their diet if you have a newer tank or one with low algae levels. I’ve had success offering them algae wafers and nori sheets. Just place them near them in the evening so they can get to work on it during the night.

Trochus snails don’t pose a threat to corals or other tank inhabitants. They’re strictly herbivorous. I’ve also found them to be quite careful of coral frags, but the bigger they are, accidents may happen. So I think this makes them a safe and effective addition to almost any reef setup.

Tank Setup And Acclimation

Trochus snails do best in reef tanks with plenty of live rock and glass surfaces. They typically don’t like to feed on the substrate unless food is scarce elsewhere. The only times I’ve seen them go below is when they try to get somewhere else.

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Can Trochus snails climb out of your tank? While they’re excellent climbers, Trochus snails will rarely attempt escape. You might find them climbing on powerheads and other equipment where algae forms. However, a secure lid is always a good idea to prevent any nighttime adventures of any of your saltwater creatures.

They are sensitive to unstable water parameters, so keep that in check. Nitrates are the biggest hazard for your snails. Moderate lighting might help promote algae growth, but it’s not important for them as they are more active at night.

When introducing Trochus snails, use the drip acclimation method over 1-2 hours to minimize stress. I don’t always do it, but it’s probably best to reduce any stress on the animal. I’ve found placing them on a rock during lights-out helps them settle in comfortably.

Always avoid copper-based medications and freshwater dips, as these will kill your snails.

How many Trochus snails can you keep in a reef tank? I think one snail per 5 gallons is good to start with. You can always add more if you think your system can handle it. This density should allow for enough food and space for each snail without overcrowding.

Behavior And Tank Mates

Trochus snails are peaceful and low-maintenance. They’re primarily nocturnal but often graze during the day, too. You’ll see them methodically cruising across surfaces, leaving a trail of clean glass and rock in their wake.

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They don’t school, but you might see small groups in algae-rich areas.

My #1 favorite thing about Trochus snails? Unlike some snails, Trochus can right themselves if they fall upside down.

Suitable tank mates:

• Peaceful fish
• Other non-aggressive herbivores
• Most corals

Species to avoid:

• Pufferfish (snail-crunching specialists)
• Triggerfish (known invertebrate predators)
• Aggressive wrasses

Healthy snails are active grazers with intact, unblemished shells. Excellent water quality and calcium supplementation can support natural healing if you spot minor shell damage.

How can I tell if my Trochus snail is dead? A dead Trochus snail will often have a foul odor, and its body may fall out of the shell when picked up. If you’re unsure, place the snail on its side (in your tank). A healthy snail will retract into its shell or attempt to right itself within a few minutes.

If a snail shows any signs of illness, quarantine it. Or remove it completely if it has passed. Remember, copper-based medications are a no-go for invertebrates like Trochus snails.

Breeding And Reproduction

Trochus snails are broadcast spawners that release their eggs and sperm into the water column. Don’t panic if your tank turns into a cloudy soup because of it. With good filtration, it should clear up over a few hours. If you see this happening, it means that you’re doing all the right things to keep them happy.

However, the odds are stacked against their larvae as eggs and sperm are often gobbled up by fish or sucked into filtration systems before they can settle. Your corals will probably welcome the event as food will be plenty and easy to catch.

I’ve noticed increased activity and potential spawning cues during water changes or after shifts in water parameters. It’s as if these environmental tweaks trigger their reproductive instincts. Unfortunately, I’ve never had them successfully reproduce, that I know of. However, I do see a lot of reef keepers having some success.

So, don’t be discouraged if your Trochus snails aren’t multiplying. Focus on maintaining optimal conditions for their health and longevity. Who knows? One day, you might just witness a miraculous event, resulting in hundreds of tiny snails.

Can You Keep Trochus Snails In A Reef Jar?

It’s tempting, but I’d advise against it.

These snails can grow up to 3 inches, which is simply too large for a pico reef under 2 gallons. They’d be like a bull in a china shop, potentially knocking over corals or getting stuck in your rockwork.

You’d likely need to supplement their diet constantly, which can lead to water quality issues in such a small volume.

Speaking of water quality, that’s the biggest hurdle. Fluctuations in temperature or chemistry can have major impacts on their health. While I always suggest that water changes are like a tide going out, Trochus snails, like most invertebrates, are sensitive to these changes.