Pyramid Top Shells
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
These are active, beneficial grazers for the reef aquarium. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
These are active grazers and good reef aquarium animals. Their shells are conical, coiled, various colors, generally tans or browns; often with fine spiral ridges and beading. They have a circular aperture; lack an anterior spout or tube. They have a brown, horny operculum to seal aperture during retraction. Their shell whorls lack noticeable swelling, so shell forms a smooth-sided cone. Eyes are located at the base of a large tentacle on either side of the head. Numerous small and several larger (typically eight) sensory tentacles extend from the aperture on each side and behind.
Family: Trochidae
Other common name(s):
- Tectus Snails
Native range:
Maximum length: 7.6 cm (3 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 3.8 L (1 gal)
Lighting: Must be sufficient to support healthy algal growth.
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Wholly herbivorous grazers that must have a tank with a good growth of diatoms and microalgae.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Beneficial reef aquarium animals.
[edit] Special Care
Add only a few at a time. If overstocked, they will starve.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
These snails will reproduce well in some systems.
| Common name | Pyramid Top Shells +, and Tectus Snails |
| Family | Trochidae + |
| Genus | Tectus + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Lighting | Must be sufficient to support healthy algal growth. + |
| Maximum length | 3 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 1 gal + |
| Native range | Tropical Seas + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates + |
| Specific name | spp. + |
| Text credit | RLS + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |