Longspine Star Snail – Astralium phoebium

Longspine Star Snails (Astralium phoebium, formerly Astraea phoebium) are a species of Astraea snail that has extended scutes on their shells that flare around the outer edge, giving the snail its name. They are native to the Caribbean and graze on microalgae and diatoms.

Astraea snails are from rocky, rubble-covered environments and are not able to right themselves if flipped over onto their backs like on an open sand flat or if they fall from the glass in an aquarium. Take care to place these snails rightside-up in the aquarium and to turn over any snails that may get flipped. They are not recommended for aquariums with minimal rockwork and large open spaces.