Trochus Snail

Common Name: Banded Trochus Snail
Scientific Name: Trochus maculatus
Coloration: Conical shell with dark spiral bands over a creamy or reddish background
Movement: Slow crawler using a muscular foot, able to right itself if overturned
Preferred Habitat: Rocky reef zones and coral rubble in shallow marine environments
Diet: Algae, diatoms, film algae, and cyanobacteria scraped from rocks, glass, and substrate
Ecological Role: Algae grazer; maintains clean surfaces, promotes coral health, and supports overall ecosystem balance
Compatibility: Well-suited to the Living Ecosystems Aquarium and Living Blocks Reef, particularly in tanks with live rock and algae growth

The sustainably sourced Banded Trochus Snail (Trochus maculatus) is a hardy, reef-safe addition to marine aquariums, valued for its powerful algae-grazing abilities and attractive, banded shell. It is a popular choice among reef keepers for its effectiveness at controlling algae without disturbing corals or other tank inhabitants.

In the wild, Trochus Snails play a crucial role in maintaining reef health by grazing on algae, diatoms, and cyanobacteria that can otherwise overwhelm coral surfaces. By keeping these growths in check, they help preserve open space for coral settlement and promote better water flow across reef structures.

In the Living Ecosystems Aquarium, the Banded Trochus Snail thrives on and around the Living Blocks Reef, where it contributes to a balanced ecosystem by cleaning rocks, glass, and substrate. Its ability to right itself when overturned is a key advantage over many other snail species, making it especially resilient in aquariums.

Reproduction:
Trochus Snails often reproduce in well-established aquariums, releasing eggs and sperm into the water. While many larvae are filtered out, some may settle and grow, naturally replenishing the population and continuing their role in algae control.