Wow, Astraea snails are very clumsy.

[tangyreefer05]

I bought 10 Astraea snails and find myself having to flip many over every day from falling on their backs. I guess I don't mind it's just kind of sad how clumsy they can be and how they would die if I wasn't there to help. :lol: Now my blue legged hermits are just amazing at rock climbing, they do it at a very fast rate too. Today I found a bristle worm holding on to a rock and stretching its body thin and tight, out to about 4 inches to a poor Astraea snail and appeared to be trying to get inside. I went to get something to grab the worm and when I came back he had let go and was inside the rock. :eek1:

 

[charlesr1958]

Thats simply because such snails are not found in rocky environments. I only see them on the sea grass blades and never out on the actual reef itself. Should they fall off the blade, its an easy matter for them to right themselves as there is plenty of "leaf" litter to grab onto. Their shell shape makes them unsuitable in a reef (rocky) tank simply because they are helpless in loose sand and become easily wedged in rock crevices. They are also highly prone to predators such as mantis shrimp and adult hermits which are not found (as adults) in the grass beds.

The "star" snails are much better suited (shaped) for a reef.

Chuck