Stomatella snail (Stomatella varia) care guide
- Group
- Snails
- Other names
- Stomatella auricula, False ear shell, Gena varia, Stomatella
- Family
- Trochidae
- Origin
- Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Japan, the Philippines, Polynesia and Queensland
- Water
- saltwater
- Maximum size
- 2 cm
- Temperature
- 22–26°C
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- dKH 8–12, SG 1.023–1.025
- Care level
- beginner
- Reef safe
- yes
Care
Stomatella snails are small reef snails with a low, ear-shaped shell like a miniature abalone, too small to cover the animal's broad foot. Stomatella varia is treated by current authorities as a doubtful synonym of Stomatella auricula, the false ear shell, so pages and dealers may use either name. Shells are 5–20 mm, smooth and polished, in very variable colours from gold with crimson bands to carmine, white or blackish, often spotted with white. They usually arrive as hitchhikers on live rock and corals and are one of the welcome ones: harmless, useful algae grazers that often breed in reef tanks. The following behaviour notes are general hobby knowledge, not from our sources. They are mostly active at night and hide under rock by day. When grabbed by a predator they can shed the back part of the foot and regrow it later. They are fast-moving for snails and good at cleaning glass and rock in places larger snails cannot reach. Water figures are standard reef conditions (general guidance). They are hardy in a stable tank but, like all snails, sensitive to copper. Copper-based medicines and some plant fertilisers are toxic to shrimp, snails and most invertebrates. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stomatellavaria, which redirects to Stomatella auricula). Checked October 2026.
Diet
General guidance, not from a source: grazes film algae, diatoms, soft green algae and biofilm on rock and glass, and scavenges leftover food. A mature reef tank usually provides enough; in a very clean tank add a little nori.
Breeding
General hobby knowledge, not from a source: one of the few snails that breed readily in home reef tanks. They spawn by releasing eggs and sperm into the water, usually at night, and the young settle on the rock, so a single hitchhiker can become a thriving colony.
Compatibility and tank mates
Reef safe with corals, clams and peaceful fish. Wrasses (especially six-line and larger wrasses), triggers, puffers and some crabs eat them; hermit crabs may harass them.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.