Black Margarita Snail
Black Margarita Snail: The Cool Water Algae Grazer The Black Margarita Snail (Margarites pupillus) is a small, striking marine gastropod popular for its voracious appetite for nuisance algae. It is known for its smooth, glossy, turban-shaped shell that is typically dark brown or black, providing a visual contrast against white sand and live rock. Some specimens may also have shells partially covered in pink coralline algae. Native to the Eastern Pacific, its natural range extends from the Bering Sea down to Southern California, often inhabiting rocky areas with kelp in cooler, temperate waters. This origin presents a challenge: while they are excellent algae eaters, they naturally prefer a temperature range lower than the standard tropical reef tank (ideally below 72°F). Keeping them in warmer tanks (78-80°F) can significantly shorten their lifespan. The Black Margarita Snail is a must-have for a well-established reef or fish-only system (FOWLR) looking for an efficient clean-up crew m