White Spotted Rabbit Snail - Tylomelania sp : Complete Snail Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
White Spotted Rabbit Snails (Tylomelania sp) represent a commendable augmentation to established aquatic ecosystems. Their inherently tranquil disposition distinguishes them as compelling subjects for caretaking. Rabbit Snails are conspicuously non-aggressive, harbouring no inclination toward perturbing fellow tank inhabitants. Instead, their behaviour leans towards a pervasive curiosity about their surroundings. Furthermore, these snails exhibit a notably active lifestyle, demonstrating an inclination to traverse the aquarium terrain with equal enthusiasm during both diurnal and nocturnal intervals.
White Spotted Rabbit Snails, characterized by their leisurely mobility and serene demeanour, thrive in the company of congenial tankmates who share a non-aggressive disposition. They exhibit enduring vitality and harmonize seamlessly when cohabiting with fellow freshwater snail species, as well as flourishing in the presence of freshwater shrimps. Additionally, judicious selections for compatible companions encompass smaller, peaceable fish species, notably Barbs, Tetras, Corydoras Catfish, and Otocinclus Catfish, fostering a harmonious community dynamic.
However, a caveat exists: exercise prudence and abstain from housing Rabbit Snails alongside known aquatic antagonists such as Crayfish, Cichlids, Loaches, and Goldfish, as the latter can pose an imminent threat, capable of rapidly jeopardizing the well-being of Rabbit Snails.
Dedicated aquatic enthusiasts often regard White Spotted Rabbit Snails as amenable additions to their aquatic setups. As is customary with most freshwater snails, effective care for Rabbit Snails commences with the establishment of a stable, well-maintained aquarium ecosystem. Maintaining water quality within optimal parameters is paramount, ensuring that levels of nitrite and ammonia remain consistently below 0 ppm.
These snails exhibit a preference for water with alkaline properties, typically within the pH range of 8.2 to 8.4, although they can tolerate lower pH levels down to 7.3. Maintaining alkalinity is crucial to safeguard the integrity of their shells. Temperature control is imperative, with water temperature ideally maintained between 76 and 84°F. Employing standard community lighting protocols is suitable. It is imperative to remain attentive to water conditions, as Rabbit Snails may display signs of inactivity and stress in response to environmental parameters that exceed their tolerance thresholds.
These snails have a unique appearance, featuring a long, dark greyish-black rabbit-like face with floppy antennae resembling a rabbit's ears. Interestingly, their faces can express a wide range of emotions, from smiling to wistful to prankish. The elongated and spiral-shaped shells of the White Spotted Rabbit Snail taper towards a point resembling a unicorn horn. The shells are predominantly black, with striking white spots and a whitish shading towards the point, creating a greyish colour appearance in some areas.
White Spotted Rabbit Snail Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
White Spotted Rabbit Snails are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. As a result, it is not possible to distinguish between males and females by visual inspection alone.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Tylomelania sp |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1897 |
| Other Names | Rabbit Snail, Elephant Snail, Sulawesi Snail |
| Classification | Gastropoda |
| Order | Cerithioidea |
| Family | Pachychilidae |
| Genus | Tylomelania |
| Origins | Indonesia |
| Max Size | 10 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | All Levels |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | NA |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Lifespan | Up to 3 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.5 - 8.5 |
| GH | 4 - 12 |
| KH | 2 - 8 |
| TDS | 100 - 200 |
| ℉ | 77 - 86 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 25 - 30 |
Natural Habitat
The White Spotted Rabbit Snail is a fascinating freshwater species that originates from the picturesque mountain lakes of Sulawesi, a beautiful island located in Southeast Asia. These snails thrive in warm and alkaline waters that are abundant with sand substrates littered with decaying vegetation. Their natural habitat has undoubtedly shaped their characteristics, making them a unique and valuable addition to aquariums. The White Spotted Rabbit Snails are known for their distinctive spotted shells and are a favourite amongst aquarium hobbyists for their captivating appearance and hardy nature.
Breeding
The White Spotted Rabbit Snail is a slow-growing species that attains sexual maturity around 4 cm in length, which can take almost a year. They may breed in freshwater tanks with appropriate water conditions, but their low reproductive rate, producing only one offspring at a time, prevents overpopulation, even in large groups.
These snails lay a single creamy-white egg sack every 4 to 6 weeks. Upon hatching, the fully developed baby Rabbit Snail emerges within a few minutes, looking like a miniature adult.
Females are capable of carrying sperm for an extended period, releasing baby snails over several months. Newborn White Spotted Rabbit Snails immediately begin searching for soft algae or other foods to consume, displaying a flawless spiralled shell from apex to aperture, devoid of scuffs or pit marks.
Diet & feeding
The feeding behaviour of White Spotted Rabbit Snails is an essential aspect of their ecological niche in their native habitat. They are efficient scavengers that continuously graze on leftover food and detritus from the substrate, thereby promoting the maintenance of the water quality. In addition, these snails also consume algae and plant matter to supplement their diet. While White Spotted Rabbit Snails can survive on a diet of detritus and plant matter, providing additional nutrition in the form of invertebrate pellets and algae wafers will ensure their optimal health and longevity.
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