Tectus niloticus

(Linnaeus, 1767)

Trochus Snail, Top Snail

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean

Size: 4 inches (10 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow coastal intertidal areas rich in turf algae, cyanobacteria, diatoms, and detritus.

General Husbandry: Even though small specimens of this very hardy species show up in the aquarium trade occasionally, it can get quite large and become a bulldozer and dislodge small coral frags or disturb other smaller invertebrates. Nevertheless, its an extremely good scavenger of unwanted green algae and brown diatom algae, and has a long lasting lifespan, e.g., about ten years.

Sensitive to salinity changes as they are very shallow intertidal water creatures, so initially acclimate as noted below. If desired for the aquarium, recommend having at least one per twenty gallons and if their diet appears to be insufficient, provide them some vegetable-based tablet foods or dried seaweed/Nori.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Mollusca

Class: Gastropoda

Order: Archaeogastropoda

Family: Tegulidae

Genus: Tectus

FYI: These mostly captive bred snails have had the genius name technically changed to that of 'Tectus.' Previously it was Trochus.

Keep in mind they are basically used for the jewelry industry, as their mother of pearl layer is used in various items such as pearl buttons and different types of jewelry. Rarely available in the aquarium trade, yet usually accessible via special order.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Diet: Herbivore

Temperament: Peaceful

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: Sensitive to specific gravity/salinity changes, therefore be sure to adjust the bag's water to that of the aquarium in which it will be placed by slowly adding small amounts of aquarium water to the bag every few minutes. In most cases, this process should take at least 15 minutes.

Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately hardy

Temperature Range: 72 - 83°F (22 - 28°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Water Movement: WM 1 - 2

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4