Margarita Snail

Margarita Snail – Margarites pupillus

The Margarita Snail is a highly effective algae grazer prized by reefers for its ability to consume large amounts of film and hair algae. It coexists safely with corals, invertebrates, and other tankmates while bringing subtle beauty to the aquarium. Margarita Snails may feature a smooth turban-shaped shell in natural earth tones or a striking shell coated in vibrant coralline algae. They remain small—reaching about 1"—and spend their day actively cleaning rockwork and glass.

Margarita Snails thrive in well-established aquariums with abundant natural algae and peaceful inhabitants. They prefer cooler reef temperatures, but many adapt successfully to systems up to 78°F once properly acclimated. Add them only after your tank is mature and stable, ideally once visible algae growth is present.

These snails rely heavily on natural algae and require supplementation if food becomes scarce. Offer dried seaweed like Julian Sprung's Sea Veggies using a clip, and consider adding algae-based foods such as San Francisco Bay's Spirulina Brine Shrimp or New Life Spectrum's Algae Pellets.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1/2" to 1"