West Indian Topshell
(Cittarium pica)

Descrição

The West Indian Topshell, *Cittarium pica*, is a large, edible sea snail. Its shell is conical, thick, and heavy, typically black and white with a checkered pattern, and can reach up to 13.7 cm in dimension. Younger specimens may appear whiter or have a greenish tinge due to algae. The inner surface of the shell is nacreous, or mother-of-pearl. These snails have a muscular foot, aiding in their slow crawling and adherence to rocks.

They are primarily nocturnal, with most activity, including feeding, occurring at night or in the early morning. *C. pica* are herbivores and detritivores, feeding on a wide variety of filamentous algae scraped off rocks. They are found in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones on rocky shorelines, often under boulders, stones, and in crevices. They generally do not live at great depths, typically staying near the water’s edge.

Their natural distribution spans the West Indies, the Central and South American coast from the upper Yucatan to Trinidad. While fossil records exist for Florida and Bermuda, and reintroduction attempts have been made in Bermuda, their current primary habitats are along the coasts of Mexico south to Venezuela and throughout the circum-Caribbean.

The lifespan is not definitively known, but estimates for other top shells suggest they can live up to 30 years. Some studies indicate a lifespan of five to seven years for *C. pica*. Sexual maturity is typically reached at shell lengths greater than 3.2-4.5 cm.

Water parameters: They are found in tropical marine waters. A study in Taganga Bay, Santa Marta, Colombia, where *C. pica* are collected, recorded average sea surface temperatures between 23-34°C and salinity ranging from 31-36 ppt (parts per thousand), with pH between 7.8 and 8.8. Another source suggests a minimum tank size of 75-150 L [data unavailable – typical for marine invertebrates of this size].

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West Indian Topshell: Your Aquarium’s Natural Algae Cleaner!

Introduce the remarkable West Indian Topshell to your marine aquarium. These striking snails, with their patterned shells, are diligent algae grazers and fascinating inhabitants for any reef or FOWLR setup.

Overview

The West Indian Topshell (*Cittarium pica*) boasts a robust, conical shell adorned with distinctive black and white patterns, often resembling a checkerboard. Measuring up to 13.7 cm, their shells are thick and heavy, with a pearlescent interior. Primarily nocturnal, these active gastropods gracefully navigate your aquarium’s rockwork and glass, tirelessly consuming nuisance algae. They are a true workhorse, adding both beauty and utility to your marine display.

Care Level

Easy. The West Indian Topshell is a hardy and peaceful marine invertebrate, making it an excellent choice for beginner to advanced aquarists. They are compatible with most peaceful marine fish and corals, posing no threat to tank inhabitants. Their diligent grazing habits contribute to a healthy, balanced aquarium ecosystem.

Tank Essentials

A minimum tank size of 75 litres is recommended to provide ample space for grazing. Maintain stable marine conditions: salinity between 1.023-1.026 specific gravity, pH 7.8-8.8, and a temperature range of 23-34°C. Ensure a well-established system with plenty of live rock for them to graze upon. [11, 12, data unavailable]

Diet

As dedicated herbivores and detritivores, West Indian Topshells primarily feed on filamentous algae and organic detritus. In a mature aquarium, they will actively scrape algae from rocks and tank surfaces. Supplementation with marine-based sinking foods or dried seaweed may be necessary if natural algae growth is insufficient.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy West Indian Topshell online from us, you receive healthy, responsibly sourced individuals. Our rigorous quarantine protocols ensure robust, disease-free specimens, ready to thrive in your healthy aquarium. We prioritize humane shipping, guaranteeing your new clean-up crew arrives safely, poised to become valuable inhabitants.

• Scientific Name: Cittarium pica
• Common Name / Variant: West Indian Topshell / Magpie Shell
• Maximum Size: 13.7 cm
• Origin: Caribbean, West Indies, Central and South American coast
• pH Range: 7.8–8.8
• Temperature: 23–34°C
• Lifespan: 5–30 years
• Swimming Zone: Bottom / Rockwork

Add a natural algae solution to your reef tank today!