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How to Breed Trochus Snails

Trochus snails make a helpful addition to a marine aquarium because of their ability to consume large quantities of algae and diatoms. They can also be fed dried seaweed if there is not enough algae to sustain them. Once Trochus snails reach their maximum size --- around an inch in diameter --- they are able to withstand attacks by crabs and large fish due to their characteristic cone-shaped shell. They are also able to flip themselves back over if they fall. A cost effective approach to keeping trochus snails is to breed them directly in the tank.

Things You'll Need

Marine aquarium
Trochus snails

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase Trochus snails and allow them to acclimate to the water. Trochus snails are very sensitive to changes in water temperature and must be acclimated slowly.
- 2
  Test the water to make sure the conditions are suitable. According to the Fresh Marine website, Trochus snails require a pH of 8.10 to 8.40 and temperatures between 72--78 degrees.
- 3
  Check the water for cloudiness. If the snails are releasing what looks like a cloudy mist in the water, they have released gametes. It is a good sign that the snails have begun spawning.
- 4
  Turn off the protein skimmers or filters installed in the aquarium for one week after you notice the cloudiness. In a few months, you will have offspring.

Animals & Science