Description
Reef Rundown – Dove Snails (Pictocolumbella spp.)
Why We Like Them:
A conch-looking, smaller snail that stays active while surface cleaning. They remain visible while grazing and can even reproduce in reasonable numbers under the right conditions.
Primary Use:
Surface cleaning and early-stage algae control.
Diet:
Feeds on film algae, diatoms, hair algae, detritus, and some species of cyanobacteria.
Where You'll See Them:
Actively grazing across rockwork, sand surfaces, and aquarium glass. They are often visible during the day.
Macroalgae Safe:
Yes. Dove Snails graze microalgae films and do not appear to consume macroalgae.
Ease of Care:
Easy. Their small size and active grazing habits make them well suited for nano tanks, reef aquariums, and refugiums.
Native Range:
We offer a mix. Some dove snails are collected in Florida, but most individuals are Lightning Dove Snails (Pictocolumbella ocellata) from the Indo-Pacific. Shell color and pattern may vary by species and collection location.
