Margarita Snail
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Specific Name: Margarites spp.
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Diet: Herbivore – grazes on diatoms, film algae, and green algae
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Pest or Good Guy: ✅ Good Guy (with a caveat)
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Size: 2–3 cm
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Breed in Captivity: No
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Cautions: Native to cooler waters – long-term survival in tropical reef tanks is often poor; may slowly decline over months
Description:
Margarita snails are efficient grazers with a smooth, rounded shell and a reputation for algae-munching. They’re commonly sold in clean-up crews due to their low price and solid work ethic, but they hail from cooler waters—often collected from temperate Pacific zones—which means they may struggle in warm reef tanks. While they’re peaceful and reef-safe, their lifespan is often cut short by tropical temperatures above 24°C (75°F). If used, they’re best kept in cooler reef setups or temperate marine systems. They’ll still work hard while they’re around, but for most reefers, there are better long-term choices.