Mexican Turbo Snail

Mexican Turbo Snail (Turbo fluctuosa)

The Mexican Turbo Snail (Turbo fluctuosa) is a powerhouse algae grazer known for its efficiency, durability, and bulldozer-like attitude toward tank cleanup. With its thick spiral shell and nocturnal tendencies, this snail is a must-have for battling nuisance algae in reef aquariums. Native to the warm Pacific waters off Mexico, it thrives in reef setups where it can graze on diatoms, film algae, and even some tougher varieties like hair algae. It's not just functional — its slow, deliberate movement and hefty appearance make it a charming part of your cleanup crew.

Care Guide:

Tank Size:
Minimum 10 gallons. Best suited for mature reef aquariums with plenty of rockwork and algae growth.

Temperament:
Completely peaceful. Will not bother corals, fish, or inverts — but may accidentally bulldoze unsecured frags.

Lighting:
No specific requirements — thrives under all reef lighting conditions.

Flow:
Moderate to strong. Capable of navigating higher flow zones but prefers more stable rock structures to cling to.

Placement:
Will roam the glass, rockwork, and substrate in search of algae. Secure frags and loose items to avoid being knocked over.

Feeding:
Herbivorous grazer — feeds on:

• Film algae

• Diatoms

• Hair algae (occasionally)

• Supplemental feeding (dried seaweed, algae wafers) if algae is scarce

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.025–1.026

• Alkalinity: 8–11 dKH

• Calcium: 400–450 ppm

• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

• Nitrate & Phosphate: Low but detectable (NO₃: <10 ppm, PO₄: <0.05 ppm)

Compatibility:
Safe with:

• All reef-safe fish and inverts

• Corals (though may knock over loose frags)

• Other snails and cleanup crew members

Avoid housing with predatory inverts like large hermits or aggressive crabs.

Special Considerations:

• Known for strong grip — but can fall if upside down. Flip them back quickly if you notice one on its back.

• May outgrow smaller tanks due to its size and appetite.

• Sensitive to copper and poor water quality — maintain stable reef parameters.

• Shells may attract algae or coralline growth — a sign of a healthy reef ecosystem.

Summary:
The Mexican Turbo Snail is a reliable and rugged algae-eating machine, ideal for reef keepers looking to keep nuisance algae in check. While not the most graceful tankmate, its work ethic more than makes up for the occasional frag-toppling incident. A vital part of any cleanup crew, this snail brings both function and character to your reef.