Malaysian Trumpet Snail - Melanoides Tuberculata : Complete Snail Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Malaysian Trumpet Snails (Melanoides Tuberculata) is a fascinating and peaceful species of tropical freshwater snail that can adapt to a wide range of water parameters. These snails serve as an exceptional clean-up crew, as they actively remove algae, waste, and debris from the aquarium and are typically most active during the night. Despite their many desirable traits, Malaysian Trumpet Snails can quickly become a nightmare when they begin reproducing out of control in your tank. However, with proper maintenance and care, these snails can be a welcome addition.
Malaysian Trumpet Snails exhibit compatibility with a wide array of non-predatory aquatic organisms. Their long conical shells render them relatively impervious to interactions with small Loaches or Puffers, often resulting in minimal engagement from these species. These Snails are hardy and can survive in a wide range of conditions, and is very easy to keep, although, like most aquatic snails, they can be sensitive to acidic water.
These snails feature an elongated cone-like shell on their backs that come in various colours and patterns, with the most prominent being beige with dark brown. The species also showcases reddish spots on its body, which is the reason behind its common name, Red-rimmed Melania. The Malaysian Trumpet Snail's head is pressed, and they have a pair of tentacles with eyes at their bases. Their mouth is located at the front of the head, and they also possess a trapdoor and papillae attached to the mantle end. These unique features, coupled with their efficient cleaning abilities, make these snails a fascinating and valuable addition to any aquarium.
Malaysian Trumpet Snail Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Accurately distinguishing between male and female Malaysian Trumpet Snails can be challenging and practically impossible for non-experts. However, a professional biologist may be able to identify the subtle differences between the sexes. In general, the male's tissue exhibits a dark wine-red colour, while the female's tissue appears to have significantly less red when viewed through the adapical shell. Additionally, females tend to be larger than males, which may be another factor to consider when attempting to discern the sexes of these snails.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Melanoides Tuberculata |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1774 |
| Other Names | Red-rimmed Melania |
| Classification | Gastropoda |
| Order | Cerithioidea |
| Family | Thiaridae |
| Genus | Melanoides |
| Origins | Central African Republic , Argentina , United States , Venezuela , Brazil , Peru , Colombia , Paraguay |
| Max Size | 3 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | All Levels |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | NA |
| Diet & Feeding | Detritivore |
| Reproduction | Livebearer |
| Lifespan | Up to 2 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 - 8.0 |
| GH | 6 - 15 |
| KH | 1 - 12 |
| TDS | 100 - 300 |
| ℉ | 71 - 77 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 21 - 25 |
Natural Habitat
The Malaysian Trumpet Snail is a fascinating creature native to Asia and Africa. These snails can be found in a variety of habitats, ranging from weakly saline close to sea level to the freshwater of higher altitudes. The Malaysian Trumpet snail has spread far beyond its native range and is now established in almost all regions between Florida and northern Argentina, including the West Indies, as well as Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, and Paraguay.
These snails have also been spotted in Northern Australia, European Mediterranean countries, and even hot springs in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. Despite their ability to thrive in regions impacted by humans, the Malaysian Trumpet snail typically inhabits slow, stagnant water in stable bodies of water such as lakes, irrigation canals, ponds, ditches, city drains, dams, rivers, and streams. Join us in our efforts to preserve and protect the habitats of the Malaysian Trumpet snail, ensuring the survival of this fascinating species for generations to come.
Breeding
Breeding Malaysian Trumpet Snails is a relatively easy and effortless process, as these snails reproduce rapidly and in large numbers within the aquarium, particularly if food is abundant and the water temperature is warm. Unlike other snail species, Malaysian Trumpet Snails do not lay eggs. Instead, they give birth to live miniature versions of themselves.
A single female typically produces 1 to 91 offspring, with larger females potentially giving birth to over 200 young snails. To prevent the overpopulation of these pest snails in your tank, it is crucial to maintain a clean and healthy environment by regularly removing any excess food waste or other debris that may accumulate.
Diet & feeding
Malaysian Trumpet Snails are a self-sustaining species that do not require additional feeding, as they subsist on a diet of algae, bacteria, microalgae, leftover fish or shrimp food, and decaying organic matter that naturally occurs within the aquarium environment.
