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Maximum size : 5 inches cm
Rabbit Snail - Tylomelania gemmifera : Complete Snail Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Rabbit Snails, also referred to as Sulawesi Snails (Tylomelania), are a delightful and lively addition to any established community aquarium. These snails are not only peaceful but are also adept at removing some algae and leftover food, making them excellent tank cleaners. With their active lifestyle, Rabbit Snails are active both during the day and at night, providing constant interest for the observer. They are compatible with other snails such as the White Spotted Rabbit Snail and the Yellow Spotted Rabbit Snail, as well as Corydoras Catfish, Neocaridina Shrimp, and non-aggressive fish species such as Tetra. However, it is advisable to avoid fish that may eat the snails or harm them, such as some Pufferfish, Cichlids, and Botia Loaches, as well as Assassin Snails, Crayfish, and Crabs. To ensure that Rabbit Snails have enough space to move around freely, it is crucial to provide them with plenty of open space and durable plants, driftwood, bogwood, rocks, and large stones. They thrive best in soft sand or mud substrate that allows them to bury themselves. For their overall well-being, Rabbit Snails require dim lighting and spongy pre-filters to prevent injury from filter intakes. They exhibit various colouration, including a cone-shaped shell ranging from porcelain-like to heavily sculptured surfaces, and their body is predominantly brilliant orange or yellow with a dark shell, depending on the type. Their unique long floppy antennae and rabbit-like face, alongside a coarse, wrinkled skin texture, make them distinctive. There exist six different variations of Rabbit snail, which are distinguished by their coloration. These variations include Black Rabbit Snails, Gold Rabbit Snails, Red Rabbit Snails, Orange Rabbit Snails, and Dark Chocolate Rabbit Snails. In summary, Rabbit Snails are fascinating and engaging creatures that can bring an aquarium to life, providing a focal point for observers while helping to maintain a clean environment.Rabbit Snail Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Identifying the gender of Rabbit Snails can be an arduous task, as the physical characteristics of males and females are virtually indistinguishable.Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Tylomelania gemmifera |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1897 |
| Other Names | Elephant Snail, Poso Snail, Sulawesi Snail |
| Classification | Gastropoda |
| Family | Pachychilidae |
| Genus | Tylomelania |
| Origins | Indonesia |
| Max Size | 5 inches cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | N/A |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 1 - 3 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 7.4 - 8.4 |
| GH | 6 - 15 |
| KH | 4 - 8 |
| TDS | 200 - 400 |
| ℉ | 76 - 84 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 24 - 28 |
Natural habitat
Rabbit snails hail from the stunning mountain lakes of Sulawesi, located in Indonesia, Southeast Asia. Their natural habitats are primarily restricted to two bodies of water: Lake Poso and the Malili Lake system. Rabbit snails typically occupy the relatively shallow, lowland, and warm waters of these lakes, where the pH level is notably high. You can spot these charming snails on both soft and hard substrates while the surrounding forests provide a serene and idyllic backdrop. If you're a fan of aquatic creatures, adding Rabbit snails to your collection is a must! So why not bring a little bit of Indonesia's beauty and wonder into your home with these remarkable creatures?
Lake Poso - Indonesia
How to breed the Rabbit Snail
Under suitable conditions, breeding Rabbit Snails in a home aquarium is not an uncommon occurrence. Rabbit Snail breeding is a gradual process, and they typically reach sexual maturity at around 4 cm. These snails produce one offspring at a time, usually once a month, resulting in a well-maintained tank without the risk of being overrun like other snail species. To encourage breeding, ensure that both males and females are present in the aquarium and that they are well-fed. During the breeding process, the snail leaves behind a small, creamy-white egg sack containing a fully developed baby Rabbit Snail. The hatchling emerges approximately two hours later and appears as a miniature adult with a flawless shell, immediately scouring the tank for algae or other food to eat.Diet & feeding
Rabbit snails are voracious eaters and will consume almost any edible material offered to them, often in significant amounts if given the opportunity. While not the most efficient algae-eating snail in the aquarium hobby, they will feed on some algae and perform scavenging duties by consuming any leftover food, thus serving as a helpful clean-up crew. To ensure their optimal nutrition, it is recommended to offer dried foods such as granules, algae wafers, and sinking pellets. In some instances, Rabbit snails may develop a preference for certain aquarium plants, such as Java fern, when there is insufficient leftover food available. As such, supplementing their diet with calcium is essential to maintain healthy and solid shells. This can be achieved by periodically including blanched broccoli in their diet.Videos
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