Not furry either, still lovely.
Astraea Snail
Lithopoma tectum
Also called Astraea turbo snail, West Indian starsnail, Astraea tecta
From Western Atlantic: the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Lesser Antilles and off Brazil, in shallow water from 0-10 m.1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
LiveAquaria lists a maximum of 1 in (about 2.5 cm) for aquarium specimens; Wikipedia gives a maximum shell length of 63 mm in the wild.
Looks how to spot one
Solid cone-shaped shell
A tall, cone-shaped shell with about six and a half whorls and wavy folds running down it. Colours range from olive green in aquarium stock to reddish orange with white and olive marks; some shells have points that give a star-like outline.12
Personality what they are like
Peaceful and unhurried, spending its time cleaning algae off rocks and glass.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A steady grazer over rock and glass; it likes an established tank with hiding spots.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Rated easy. It struggles to turn itself over if it lands upside down, so check and right any snail on its back. Keep nitrate low and avoid copper-based medications.2
Home where they are happiest
An established marine reef aquarium with algae to graze and places to shelter. LiveAquaria gives 72-78 °F (about 22-26 °C), pH 8.1-8.4, dKH 8-12 and specific gravity 1.023-1.025. No minimum tank size was given by the sources.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A herbivore that eats hair algae, cyanobacteria and diatoms. Offer dried seaweed if algae runs short.2
Company who they like around
Peaceful with fish, corals and other invertebrates; usually kept as part of a mixed clean-up crew.2
The story where it all began
Lightfoot described this snail in 1786. Over two centuries it picked up nearly twenty other names across genera such as Astraea, Trochus and Turbo, before settling in Lithopoma.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It eats a hair algae strand right down to the base, which slows how fast the algae grows back.2
- 2
Some shells grow small points that give them a star-like outline from above.2
- 3
Its common name comes from an old genus name, Astraea, which is no longer the accepted one.1
- 4
It has collected nearly twenty scientific synonyms since it was first described.1
Recognised by the official bits
- Taxonomy (via Wikipedia)
- Described by Lightfoot in 1786; now placed in Lithopoma (family Turbinidae). Many older names such as Astraea tectum are synonyms, which is why the hobby still calls it the Astraea snail.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Astraea Snail. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingDepends on species, many feed from the light and the watervaries
- Salinity checkevery week
- Water testevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Light checkevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Astraea Snail?
Feed only when algae runs short, offering a small piece of dried seaweed. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding depends on species, many feed from the light and the water, so watch your snail's activity.2 Furry Diary plan
What does an Astraea Snail eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats hair algae, cyanobacteria and diatoms, plus dried seaweed if needed. Never give copper-based medications, as they are harmful to invertebrates.2
How much space does an Astraea Snail need?
No minimum tank size was given by the sources, but it needs an established marine reef aquarium with algae to graze and places to shelter. Space needs vary, so ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for your setup.2
What temperature, light or water does an Astraea Snail need?
Keep water at 72-78 °F (about 22-26 °C), pH 8.1-8.4, dKH 8-12 and specific gravity 1.023-1.025. It likes steady light for algae growth, but no specific light level was given.2
How often should I clean an Astraea Snail's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly salinity checks and water tests, daily top-ups with fresh RO water, and a 10-20% water change every two weeks. Clean gently to avoid stressing the snail. Furry Diary plan
Can an Astraea Snail live with others?
Yes, it is peaceful with fish, corals and other invertebrates, and is usually kept as part of a mixed clean-up crew. It enjoys company in a community tank.2
How long does an Astraea Snail live?
Lifespan was not given by the sources, so it varies by care and environment. Ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for typical longevity in your tank.
Can I handle an Astraea Snail?
Handling is possible but it struggles to turn itself over if upside down, so check and right any snail on its back. Handle gently and rarely to avoid stress.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Lithopoma tectum (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for names, synonyms, range, depth, size, shell description, taxonomy
- Astraea Turbo Snail, LiveAquaria liveaquaria.comused for care level, water parameters, diet, colour, behaviour
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.