Mexican Turbo Snail

Mexican Turbo Snail: The Algae Bulldozer

The Mexican Turbo Snail (Turbo fluctuosus) is a large, hard-shelled marine gastropod highly valued by reef keepers for its voracious appetite for nuisance algae. Native to the Eastern Pacific Ocean, primarily the Gulf of California and the coasts of Mexico, this snail is an essential member of the clean-up crew in most saltwater aquariums.

The Mexican Turbo Snail is known for its size, often reaching up to 2-3 inches in diameter, making it far more effective at grazing than smaller snail species. Its primary diet consists of unsightly algae, including hair algae, diatoms, and film algae, which it removes from glass, live rock, and substrate.

While generally peaceful and reef-safe, its large size and powerful foot can cause it to act as a "bulldozer," occasionally knocking over loose coral frags or unstable rockwork. Due to its large appetite, supplemental feeding may be necessary if the tank is algae-free.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This snail is a dedicated Herbivore and a highly efficient algae grazer. It actively seeks out and consumes diatoms, film algae, and is particularly effective against hair algae (filamentous algae).
• Feeding: If the natural algae supply in the aquarium is depleted, the snail requires supplemental feeding. This can be done by offering dried seaweed (Nori) or herbivore pellets/wafers to prevent starvation.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe. It does not harm corals or other invertebrates. However, due to its size and weight, aquarists must ensure all corals and rockwork are securely attached to prevent them from being accidentally knocked over as the snail grazes. Like all invertebrates, it is extremely sensitive to copper-based medications.
• Temperament: It is Peaceful. It is an ideal community tank member. It is important to note that if the snail flips onto its shell, it cannot easily right itself, which can lead to starvation or predation. Hobbyists should check on them regularly. Avoid keeping them with large predatory fish (Puffers, Large Wrasses) or large hermit crabs, which may prey on them.
• Water Parameters: Like all shelled inverts, it requires stable water chemistry and adequate calcium levels (350-450 ppm) to ensure strong, healthy shell growth.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Turbo fluctuosus
• Primary Common Name: Mexican Turbo Snail
• Other Common Names: Turban Snail, Turbo Grazer, Wavy Turban
• Origin: Eastern Pacific Ocean (Gulf of California, Mexico)
• Max Size: 2-3 inches (5-8 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Nocturnal Grazer)
• Diet: Herbivore (Voracious algae eater, especially hair algae)
• Minimum Tank Size: 10+ Gallons (Requires ample algae supply)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Caution with unsecured frags)