The workhorse of the cleanup crew, dressed up. The Red Banded Trochus carries a tidy pyramid shell ringed in warm reddish-brown bands that spiral up to a neat point — handsome enough to notice, but it's the work ethic that earns its keep. These snails graze film algae, diatoms, and cyanobacteria film off glass and rockwork all day long, scaling vertical panes with ease.

One standout trait: unlike many Astrea and turbo snails, a Trochus can right itself when it tips over. That means fewer snails left starving on their backs in the sand — a small thing that adds up to a healthier, lower-maintenance crew over time. They're also notably peaceful and won't bother corals, frags, or tankmates.

Hardy, productive, and known to occasionally reproduce in established reefs, the Red Banded Trochus is a staple for nano tanks and large systems alike.

Quick facts

• Scientific name: Trochus sp.
• Max size: ~1–1.5 inches
• Diet: film algae, diatoms, and cyanobacteria grazer
• Temperament: peaceful
• Reef compatibility: reef-safe
• Care level: easy
• Parameters: 76–80°F, salinity 1.024–1.026, stable pH

Drip acclimate over 1–2 hours before introducing to your display. Like all marine invertebrates, sensitive to copper and sudden swings in salinity.