Snail Name: Malaysian Trumpet Snail/ Malayan Burrowing Snail/ Malayan Trumpet Snail (Melanoides tuberculata)

Origin: Malaysia

Description: They have a conical shape with different patterns ranging from dots to dashes. They grow up to 2cm in size and they are one of the most resilient snails in the hobby. You can drain water from the gravel and let it dry for several weeks, refill it again and they will reappear. They are helpful when it comes to turning the gravel and loosening some roots to allow aeration. They multiply really fast but some do not see them as a nuisance. They do not eat any plants and don’t consume as much algae. No need for any food supplements as they mostly feed on rotting vegetation and some leftovers. They like to stay hidden under the gravel but also do appear on the tank glass.

Water Parameters: They adjust well to different water temperature ranges between 22 – 28°C. They do not like soft water as this might make their shells dissolve.

Sexing: They are hermaphrodites

Breeding: Breeding them is fairly easy as compared to nerites. They are best left to their own devices. They are live bearers.

Compatibility: Will do well in any freshwater tank. Avoid Puffers as they can crush their shells. Potential predators include the Clown Loach and Cichlids. They are a harmless bunch!