Collonista snail (Collonista amakusaensis) care guide

Group

Snails

Other names

Collonista sp., Collonista micro snail

Family

Colloniidae

Origin

Japan (marine)

Water

saltwater

Maximum size

0.3 cm

Care level

beginner

Reef safe

yes

Care

Collonista amakusaensis is a tiny marine snail of the family Colloniidae, described from Japan, with a shell only about 3 mm high. In the reef hobby 'Collonista snails' are tiny, rounded, often patterned snails that arrive as hitchhikers on live rock and frags, or are sold in groups. They are rarely identified to species, so the scientific name is often applied loosely. Our sources have little on this species; the figures are general guidance, not from a source. They are harmless, helpful hitchhikers. They graze film algae and diatoms on glass and rock and reach places too small for larger snails, which makes them good clean-up animals for nano reefs. Normal reef conditions suit them. Clean-up role: film algae and diatoms on glass and rockwork. Because they breed in the aquarium, a small starting group can build up over time without becoming a pest. Copper: copper-based medicines and some plant fertilisers are toxic to shrimp, snails and most other invertebrates. Never dose them in a tank holding this animal, and check the label of any treatment or fertiliser before use. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collonistaamakusaensis). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Grazes film algae, diatoms and biofilm on glass and rock. A mature tank normally provides enough.

Breeding

Hobby Collonista snails are known to breed in reef aquaria, with juveniles appearing on the glass, and numbers rise and fall with the food supply. Our sources do not describe its breeding.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe and peaceful; harmless to corals, fish and other invertebrates. Easily eaten by wrasses, hermit crabs and other small predators, and can be sucked into overflows and pumps.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.