Top Crown Snail

Top Crown Snail — Tectus spp.

The Top Crown Snail is a striking marine gastropod with a conical, spiral shell often displaying earthy tones of brown, tan, and green, and a slightly flattened apex resembling a “crown.” Peaceful and reef-safe, it grazes constantly on algae and biofilm, helping to control nuisance algae while adding natural movement and texture to the aquarium. Its hardy nature and unique shell shape make it a functional and visually appealing addition to reef tanks.

Top Crown Snails thrive in established reef tanks with stable water parameters, moderate water flow, and abundant rock or substrate surfaces for grazing. Introduce only to mature systems to ensure adequate algae availability. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended to provide sufficient grazing area.

Their diet can be supplemented with algae-based foods from Julian Sprung’s Sea Veggies and finely powdered or pellet foods from San Francisco Bay Brand, Hikari, PE, TDO, and New Life Spectrum to support health and maintain vibrant shell coloration. Target feeding encourages active grazing behavior.

Approximate product size: 1"–2.5" (varies by availability)

We maintain a rigorous, veterinarian-approved quarantine program that includes proactive treatments, careful observation, and daily monitoring to ensure the highest standards of invertebrate health. Our biosecurity practices reduce the risk of any cross-contamination between systems, meaning our livestock are ready for your display tanks.