Mexican Turbo Snails - Turbo fluctuos

The Mexican Turbo Snail, Turbo fluctuosus, is a powerhouse algae grazer valued for its ability to keep nuisance algae under control in reef aquariums. With its large, rounded shell and strong appetite, this snail is a staple in many cleanup crews, though its size and strength mean it can occasionally knock over loose corals or rocks.

Description:

Common Name: Mexican Turbo Snail

Scientific Name: Turbo fluctuosus

Family: Turbinidae

Size: Up to 2.5 inches (6.5 cm)

Temperament: Peaceful

Difficulty: Easy

Reef Safe: Yes

Native Region:

Native to the Pacific coast of Mexico and the Gulf of California, typically found in rocky intertidal zones with strong surge and abundant algae growth.

Aquarium Setup:

Tank Size: Minimum of 20 gallons

Temperature: 68–78°F (20–25°C)

pH: 8.0–8.4

Salinity: 1.023–1.025

Substrate: Live rock with algae growth; requires stable, oxygen-rich water with moderate to strong flow.

Additional Tips:

• Algae Control: Excellent at consuming hair algae, film algae, and diatoms, making it a must-have for algae management.

• Tank Role: Plays a critical role in the cleanup crew by keeping rockwork clean and free of nuisance algae.

• Feeding: If natural algae is scarce, supplement with dried seaweed (nori) or algae wafers.

• Placement: Secure corals and rocks, as their bulk can knock over loosely placed items.