Ninja Star Snails (Astraea)

Ninja Star Snail (Nerite Snail)

Add both function and personality to your reef tank with the unique Ninja Star Snail. Named for the distinctive star-shaped patterns on its shell, this hardy algae grazer is a favorite among reef keepers for its efficiency and striking appearance. Peaceful and reef-safe, these snails are excellent members of any clean-up crew.

Why Choose Ninja Star Snails?
Ninja Star Snails are exceptional at controlling nuisance algae without disturbing corals or other invertebrates. They stay relatively small, are highly active, and can reach tight spaces where algae tends to build up.

Care Requirements

• Difficulty: Easy (great for beginners)
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Reef Safe: Yes
• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Max Size: ~1 inch

These snails are hardy but thrive best in stable, well-maintained reef systems. Like most invertebrates, they are sensitive to sudden changes in salinity or water chemistry, so proper acclimation is important.

Feeding

Ninja Star Snails are natural grazers and primarily feed on:

• Film algae
• Diatoms
• Soft green algae
• Biofilm on glass and rock

In well-established tanks, they usually find enough food on their own. In newer or ultra-clean systems, you may need to supplement with:

• Algae wafers
• Dried seaweed (nori)

Stocking Guidelines (Clean-Up Crew Sizing)

A good rule of thumb is to avoid overstocking, as they rely on naturally occurring algae.

• Nano tanks (5–15 gallons): 1–2 snails
• Small tanks (20–40 gallons): 2–4 snails
• Medium tanks (50–75 gallons): 4–6 snails
• Large tanks (90+ gallons): 6–10+ snails

Start on the lower end and increase gradually based on algae levels.

Additional Tips

• These snails may occasionally climb above the waterline—ensure your tank has a secure lid.
• They do not reproduce easily in typical reef aquariums, so population remains stable.
• Acclimate slowly using a drip method to prevent stress.

Perfect for reef aquariums looking for natural algae control with a unique visual twist, Ninja Star Snails are both practical and eye-catching additions to your clean-up crew.