Spiny Star Astraea Snail

Astraea phoebia (Spiny Star Astraea Snail) is a Caribbean turban snail with prominent spiny ridges radiating from its conical shell, making it one of the more visually distinctive Astraea species in the marine trade. An effective grazer of microalgae and film algae on live rock, substrate, and aquarium glass, it contributes meaningfully to the clean-up crew. Like other Astraea species, it cannot right itself if overturned.

Stock at 1 snail per 15–20L as part of a diverse clean-up crew. Manually reposition if found upside down — Astraea species cannot self-right and will die if left inverted. Sensitive to copper-based medications and rapid parameter swings. Provide calcium-supplemented reef water (380–450 ppm) for shell maintenance. Effective against diatom blooms in new reef systems.