Margarita Snail

 Scientific Name  Margarites pupillus
 Diet  Herbivore; filamentous algae, diatoms, cyanobacteria
 Alt Common Name  Top and Turbo Snail 
 Family  Trochacea
 Origin  Caribbean
 Aquarist Level  Novice
 Reef Safe  Yes
 Coloration  White to Tan
 Disposition  Peaceful
 Hardiness  Very
 Mature Size  2 inches
 Reproduction Method  Gamete Release 
 Sexual Dimorphism  None
 Venomous  No

Notes:  This snail spends most of its time on the live rock or on the glass eating the various types of algae it comes across.  Margarita snails are popular algae control animals in the marine aquarium.  If they remove all of the micro algae from the aquarium, supplemental feeding is required.  Dried or fresh seaweed is recommended.  We recommend 1 top snail per 2 gallons of aquarium volume.