Snails

Snails are a fascinating and diverse group of invertebrates that can make excellent additions to a saltwater aquarium. They belong to the class Gastropoda and are known for their coiled shells and slow movements. In the reefkeeping hobby, snails play a crucial role in maintaining the health and cleanliness of the tank by consuming algae, detritus, and uneaten food. This makes them not only interesting to observe but also beneficial for the overall ecosystem of the aquarium.

There are many different species of snails available to hobbyists, each with its own unique characteristics and care requirements. Some popular types include Turbo spp., known for its efficiency in cleaning algae off rocks and glass, and Nassarius spp., which burrows in the sand and helps aerate the substrate while scavenging for food. Another interesting species are Trochus spp., which can right itself if it falls over, unlike some other snail species.

When keeping snails, it's important to consider their specific needs. Most snails require stable water parameters. Additionally, they need a calcium-rich environment to maintain their shells, so ensuring adequate calcium levels in the water is essential.

Snails can also be sensitive to certain medications and chemicals, such as copper, which can be harmful or even lethal to them. Therefore, it's crucial to research and avoid using such substances in a tank housing snails. Furthermore, some fish and invertebrates may prey on snails, so compatibility should be checked before introducing them to a community tank.

Overall, snails are not only functional but also add a unique charm to a saltwater aquarium. Their varied shapes, sizes, and behaviors make them a delightful addition for both novice and experienced reefkeepers.

1. 
   Common name: Vaillant's Chiton

   Scientific name: Acanthopleura vaillantii
2. Common name: Aperiovula juanjosensii

   Scientific name: Aperiovula juanjosensii
3. 
   Common name: Warty Egg Cowrie

   Scientific name: Calpurnus verrucosus
4. Common name: Cantharellus jebbi

   Scientific name: Cantharellus jebbi
5. 
   Common name: Giant Helmet

   Scientific name: Cassis cornuta
6. 
   Common name: Rose-branch Murex

   Scientific name: Chicoreus palmarosae
7. 
   Common name: Ramose Murex

   Scientific name: Chicoreus ramosus
8. Common name: Chiton affinis

   Scientific name: Chiton affinis
9. Common name: Chiton torrianus

   Scientific name: Chiton torrianus
10. Common name: West Indian green chiton

    Scientific name: Chiton tuberculatus
11. Common name: Mutant wrasse

    Scientific name: Conniella apterygia
12. 
    Common name: Strawberry Conch

    Scientific name: Conomurex luhuanus
13. 
    Common name: Princely Cone

    Scientific name: Conus aulicus
14. 
    Common name: California cone

    Scientific name: Conus californicus
15. 
    Common name: Lettered Cone

    Scientific name: Conus litteratus
16. 
    Common name: Marble Cone

    Scientific name: Conus marmoreus
17. 
    Common name: Flamingo Tongue Snail

    Scientific name: Cyphoma gibbosum
18. 
    Common name: Tiger Cowrie

    Scientific name: Cypraea tigris
19. 
    Common name: Bullmouth Helmet

    Scientific name: Cypraecassis rufa
20. Common name: Fuzzy cowrie shell

    Scientific name: Erosaria miliaris
21. Common name: Dotted Dove Shell

    Scientific name: Euplica scripta
22. Common name: Spindle Euthria

    Scientific name: Euthria cornea
23. Common name: True Tulip

    Scientific name: Fasciolaria tulipa
24. Common name: Chestnut grouper

    Scientific name: Gracila albomarginata
25. Common name: knobbly triton

    Scientific name: Gutturnium muricinum
26. 
    Common name: Harpago Chiragra

    Scientific name: Harpago chiragra
27. 
    Common name: Pink Murex

    Scientific name: Hexaplex erythrostomus
28. 
    Common name: Pilsbry's Spider Conch

    Scientific name: Lambis crocata
29. 
    Common name: Common Spider Conch

    Scientific name: Lambis lambis
30. 
    Common name: queen conch

    Scientific name: Lobatus gigas
31. 
    Common name: Hawkwing Conch

    Scientific name: Lobatus raninus
32. 
    Common name: Arabic cowry

    Scientific name: Mauritia arabica
33. 
    Common name: Starry Blenny

    Scientific name: Metalia spatagus
34. 
    Common name: Gold Ringer

    Scientific name: Monetaria annulus
35. 
    Common name: Serpent's Head Cowrie

    Scientific name: Monetaria caputserpentis
36. 
    Common name: Money Cowrie

    Scientific name: Monetaria moneta
37. 
    Common name: Cake Nassa

    Scientific name: Nassarius arcularia
38. 
    Common name: Jewelled Dog Whelk

    Scientific name: Nassarius conoidalis
39. Common name: Funiculate Nerite

    Scientific name: Nerita funiculata
40. 
    Common name: checkered nerite

    Scientific name: Nerita tessellata
41. Common name: virgin nerite

    Scientific name: Neritina virginea
42. Common name: Nerite Snail

    Scientific name: Neritina waigiensis
43. Common name: Thorn Latirus

    Scientific name: Opeatostoma pseudodon
44. Common name: Miniature Melo

    Scientific name: Puperita pupa
45. 
    Common name: Tongan Nassarius Snail

    Scientific name: Rapa incurva
46. 
    Common name: Yellowtail Damselfish

    Scientific name: Serolina delaria
47. Common name: emerald nerite

    Scientific name: Smaragdia viridis
48. 
    Common name: Variable Thorny Oyster

    Scientific name: Spondylus varius
49. 
    Common name: Florida fighting conch

    Scientific name: Strombus alatus
50. 
    Common name: Tropical Rock Barnacle

    Scientific name: Tetraclita stalactifera
51. Common name: Yellow-Striped Nerite Snail

    Scientific name: Theodoxus luteofasciatus
52. 
    Common name: Crystalline Sea Star Snail

    Scientific name: Thyca crystallina
53. Common name: Crown Murex

    Scientific name: Vokesimurex tricoronis