White Hercules Snail - Brotia Herculea : Complete Snail Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The White Hercules Snail (Brotia Herculea) is an exquisite and uncommon species that adds a captivating allure to any aquarium. Their sturdiness and tolerance towards water conditions make them a desirable choice, particularly as an awe-inspiring giant snail for display purposes. These snails are gentle and can comfortably coexist with various fish and invertebrates. However, they may not be the most effective algae eaters, and if they are underfed, they may consume your precious aquatic plants. One of the most significant advantages of owning these snails is their infrequent breeding, occurring only two or three times a year, reducing the likelihood of overpopulation in your tank.
A minimum aquarium capacity of 40 litres is recommended for the maintenance of one or more White Hercules Snails, considering their mature size. Ideally, tanks with a capacity of 75 litres or greater should be considered when feasible. These snails exhibit a preference for a substrate composed of fine sand, with the introduction of crushed coral or aragonite sand proving advantageous for the preservation and fortification of their shells.
White Hercules Snails exhibit an affinity for water conditions characterized by moderate to hard water parameters. Excessively acidic water has the potential to detrimentally affect the integrity of their shells. Thus, it is imperative to maintain a degree of general hardness in their aquatic milieu to facilitate the robust development of their protective shells. Notably, these snails exhibit accelerated growth rates within higher temperature ranges, necessitating the installation of a dependable aquarium heater in most aquatic settings to ensure optimal conditions.
The White Hercules Snail boasts a creamy, off-white colouration, and its thick, elongated, spiral-shaped shell gradually tapers towards a point at the end, closely resembling a unicorn's horn. This distinct shell comprises eight whorls, with the last whorl expanding in size and displaying fine lines. In addition, the end of the spike is typically darker in hue, further emphasizing the snail's striking appearance.
It is worth noting that the nomenclature "White Hercules snails" may be somewhat misleading, as their physical appearance does not inherently possess a white hue. Rather, this impression is achieved through a polishing process that was initially introduced to enhance their aesthetic appeal. Regrettably, this practice has endured over time. However, it is essential to recognize that the offspring of these snails exhibit their natural colouring, devoid of any artificial alteration.
White Hercules Snail Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Regrettably, distinguishing the male and female genders of the White Hercules Snails through external means is a challenging task. Therefore, it is advisable for non-experts to procure a significant quantity of these snails to ensure the presence of both genders unless they possess expertise in this field as a scientist.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Brotia Herculea |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1846 |
| Other Names | White Giant Tower Cap Snail |
| Classification | Gastropoda |
| Order | Cerithioidea |
| Family | Pachychilidae |
| Genus | Brotia |
| Origins | Thailand |
| Max Size | 10 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | All Levels |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | NA |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Livebearer |
| Lifespan | Up to 4 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 - 8.5 |
| GH | 5 - 20 |
| KH | 6 - 8 |
| ℉ | 68 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 20 - 27 |
Natural Habitat
The White Hercules Snail, an intriguing aquatic creature, is a resident of the Southeast Asian regions of Thailand and Burma. These fascinating snails occupy rivers adorned with muddy substrates intermingled with decomposing vegetation, offering a nourishing environment for their sustenance and exploration.
Breeding
The White Hercules Snail exhibits viviparity and can easily reproduce, given that a healthy population of both males and females is present. The attainment of sexual maturity for these snails typically occurs at around two years of age or when their size reaches approximately 6 cm. The White Hercules Snail engages in procreation two to three times a year, resulting in the birth of numerous offspring, ranging from 60 to 100 in number. However, if the water conditions are excessively pristine and lack stability, the survival rate of these diminutive snails is likely to be suboptimal.
Diet & feeding
The White Hercules Snails possess a voracious appetite and are known to devour nearly anything placed in their aquatic habitat. While their algae-eating abilities may not be the most outstanding, they do consume modest amounts. These snails eagerly accept an array of consumables such as flakes, granules, algae wafers, and sinking pellets. Additionally, they scavenge leftover food remnants scattered throughout the aquarium's substrate. However, if there is a scarcity of food, they may develop a taste for aquarium plants. Calcium supplementation is a crucial aspect of their diet to promote the health and durability of their shells. As a delicacy, the White Hercules Snails relish blanched vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, and Mulberry leaves.
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