Where do cone snails live. How do cone snails hunt their prey. What makes cone snail venom so potent. Why are cone snails vulnerable to overharvesting. How do cone snails reproduce. What adaptations help cone snails survive in their habitat. Can cone snail venom be used in medicine.

The Diverse World of Cone Snails: Habitat and Distribution

Cone snails, belonging to the family Conidae, are marine gastropods found in temperate to tropical oceans worldwide. These fascinating creatures have adapted to various aquatic environments, showcasing their remarkable ability to thrive in different ecosystems.

Where do cone snails typically reside? Most species inhabit relatively shallow waters near coral reefs, where they find ideal conditions for hunting and protection. They often conceal themselves in the sand, under coral shelves, or among piles of rubble. Some species have even adapted to life among mangrove forests, demonstrating their versatility in habitat selection.

• Indian and Pacific Oceans
• Southern Australia
• Great Barrier Reef
• Hawaii
• Baja California
• California

The geographic distribution of cone snails spans a wide range, from the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans to the cooler regions of southern Australia. They are particularly abundant in areas known for their rich marine biodiversity, such as the Great Barrier Reef. In North America, cone snails can be found along the coasts of Baja California and California, with species like Conus californicus inhabiting waters from San Francisco to Baja.

Anatomy and Physical Characteristics of Cone Snails

Cone snails are renowned for their distinctive shell shape, which gives them their common name. What are the key physical features that define these marine gastropods?

• Conical shell shape: wide at one end, narrow at the base
• Spires of varying heights at the wide end
• Shell texture ranging from dull to shiny, smooth to lined and bumpy
• Long, narrow aperture without an operculum
• Strong, muscular foot that may be colorful
• Well-developed siphon, often colorful
• Two tentacles with eyes positioned halfway down the outer surface

The shells of cone snails exhibit a wide variety of colors and patterns, making them highly prized by collectors. Most species feature a background color of white, cream, pink, or blue, adorned with intricate patterns in black, brown, orange, or yellow. Some species, however, may display a single, solid color.

Size variation among cone snail species is considerable, ranging from tiny specimens measuring just 1.3 cm (0.5 inches) to impressive individuals reaching up to 21.6 cm (8.5 inches) in length. This diversity in size reflects the various ecological niches occupied by different cone snail species.

The Deadly Arsenal: Cone Snail Venom and Hunting Techniques

Cone snails are renowned for their potent venom and sophisticated hunting strategies. How do these slow-moving creatures manage to catch their prey with such efficiency?

The secret lies in their highly evolved venom delivery system. Cone snails use a modified radula tooth as a harpoon-like structure to inject venom into their prey. This process occurs in milliseconds, making cone snails one of the fastest hunters in the animal kingdom despite their sluggish movement.

The Hunting Process:

1. Scenting: Chemoreceptive cells on the proboscis detect potential prey
2. Approach: The snail gently touches the prey with its proboscis
3. Strike: With lightning speed, the snail stings the prey using its radula
4. Immobilization: Within seconds, the venom paralyzes the prey
5. Retrieval: The radula thread is retracted, bringing the prey closer
6. Consumption: The expanded proboscis engulfs the prey, moving it to the stomach for digestion

What makes cone snail venom so potent? The venom is a complex cocktail of hundreds of bioactive compounds, varying widely between species and even individual stings. This complexity contributes to its effectiveness against a diverse range of prey and has also sparked interest in its potential medical applications.

Dietary Specialization Among Cone Snails

Cone snails exhibit remarkable dietary specialization, with different species adapted to prey on specific types of marine life. How are cone snails classified based on their dietary preferences?

Researchers divide cone snails into three main groups according to their diets:

• Piscivores: Fish eaters
• Molluscivores: Mollusk and snail eaters
• Vermivores: Worm eaters

This dietary specialization is reflected in the structure of their radula, the tooth-like organ used for hunting. Piscivores possess elongated radulae with long, curved barbs at the tip, ideal for piercing fish scales. Molluscivores have heavily barbed radulae near the base, with serrations along most of the shaft, allowing them to effectively penetrate the shells of their prey. Vermivores, on the other hand, have short, broad radulae with strong serrations and barbs near the middle, perfectly adapted for capturing worms.

Interestingly, the toxicity of cone snail venom also correlates with their dietary preferences. Piscivores generally possess the most potent venom, while vermivores tend to have the least toxic venom. This variation in venom composition and potency highlights the remarkable adaptations of cone snails to their specific ecological niches.

Reproduction and Life Cycle of Cone Snails

The reproductive biology of cone snails remains an area of ongoing research, with many aspects still not fully understood. What is known about the reproduction of these fascinating marine creatures?

Most cone snail species are believed to have separate sexes, with internal fertilization occurring between male and female individuals. After mating, females lay egg capsules of various shapes, which they attach to suitable substrates in their marine environment.

Key aspects of cone snail reproduction:

• Separate sexes in most species
• Internal fertilization
• Egg capsules laid and attached to substrates
• Varying number of eggs per capsule
• Two types of hatchlings: veligers and veliconcha

The number of eggs within each capsule can vary significantly between species. Upon hatching, cone snails emerge in one of two forms: veligers or veliconcha. Veligers are free-swimming larvae that spend time in the plankton before settling and metamorphosing into juvenile snails. Veliconcha, on the other hand, are essentially miniature versions of adult snails, bypassing the free-swimming larval stage.

This variability in reproductive strategies allows different cone snail species to adapt to various environmental conditions and dispersal needs. The production of planktonic larvae, for instance, can facilitate long-distance dispersal and colonization of new habitats.

Behavioral Patterns and Adaptations of Cone Snails

Cone snails have evolved a range of behavioral and physiological adaptations that enable them to thrive in their marine habitats. What are some of the key adaptations that contribute to the success of these remarkable creatures?

Nocturnal Activity

Most cone snail species are primarily nocturnal, becoming active during the night hours. This behavior likely evolved as a strategy to avoid predators and to coincide with the activity patterns of their prey. Some species, however, have adapted to hunt during twilight hours, showcasing the diversity of activity patterns within the group.

Stealth and Camouflage

Despite their often colorful shells, many cone snails are masters of camouflage. They can blend seamlessly with their surroundings, whether it’s coral rubble, sand, or rocky substrates. This ability to remain hidden not only protects them from potential predators but also allows them to ambush unsuspecting prey.

Rapid Venom Delivery

Perhaps the most remarkable adaptation of cone snails is their highly evolved venom delivery system. How have these slow-moving creatures become one of the fastest hunters in the animal kingdom? The answer lies in their specialized radula, which acts like a harpoon, injecting venom into prey with incredible speed and precision. This adaptation allows cone snails to immobilize prey much larger and faster than themselves, expanding their range of potential food sources.

Complex Venom Composition

The venom of cone snails is a marvel of biochemical complexity. Composed of hundreds of different bioactive compounds, cone snail venom can vary significantly between species and even between individual stings. This variability allows cone snails to adapt their venom to different types of prey and environmental conditions. The complexity of their venom also makes it challenging for prey species to develop resistance, ensuring the continued effectiveness of this hunting strategy.

Conservation Challenges and the Future of Cone Snails

Despite their fascinating biology and ecological importance, many cone snail species face significant conservation challenges. What are the primary threats to cone snail populations, and what efforts are being made to protect these unique marine creatures?

Overharvesting for Shell Collection

The beautiful and intricate shells of cone snails have long made them prized possessions for collectors worldwide. This demand has led to extensive harvesting of wild populations, particularly for rare or aesthetically pleasing species. The impact of this collection pressure can be severe, potentially leading to local extinctions or significant population declines.

Scientific Collection for Venom Research

The complex and potent venom of cone snails has attracted considerable scientific interest due to its potential medical applications. While this research is valuable, it has also led to increased collection of cone snails from the wild. Balancing the needs of scientific research with conservation efforts remains an ongoing challenge.

Habitat Degradation

Like many marine species, cone snails are affected by the degradation of their coral reef habitats. Climate change, ocean acidification, pollution, and destructive fishing practices all contribute to the decline of these crucial ecosystems, indirectly impacting cone snail populations.

Conservation Measures

Recognizing the threats faced by cone snails, some countries have implemented regulations to control their collection and sale. However, no cone snail species are currently listed as endangered or threatened under international conservation agreements. There is growing concern among scientists that some species may warrant protected status, and efforts are underway to assess the conservation needs of various cone snail species.

Future Research and Conservation Priorities

To ensure the long-term survival of cone snails, several key areas require attention:

• Comprehensive population assessments for vulnerable species
• Development of sustainable harvesting practices for scientific research
• Implementation of marine protected areas that encompass critical cone snail habitats
• Public education about the ecological importance and conservation needs of cone snails
• Further research into captive breeding techniques to reduce pressure on wild populations

By addressing these priorities, we can hope to preserve the remarkable diversity of cone snails for future generations to study and appreciate.

The Potential of Cone Snail Venom in Medicine

While cone snail venom poses a significant threat to their prey and potential danger to humans, it also holds promise for medical applications. How might the complex cocktail of compounds found in cone snail venom benefit human health?

Pain Management

One of the most promising areas of research involves using cone snail venom components for pain relief. Certain peptides found in the venom, particularly ω-conotoxins, have shown potential as powerful analgesics. These compounds work by blocking specific ion channels involved in pain signaling, potentially offering new options for managing chronic pain conditions.

Neurodegenerative Diseases

Some components of cone snail venom have demonstrated neuroprotective properties, suggesting potential applications in treating neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy. These compounds may help protect neurons from damage or improve synaptic function.

Cancer Treatment

Certain venom peptides have shown promise in cancer research, with potential applications in both diagnostics and treatment. Some compounds may help in targeting cancer cells more precisely or in disrupting the blood supply to tumors.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Research has indicated that some cone snail venom components could have applications in treating cardiovascular conditions. These compounds might help in managing hypertension or preventing blood clots.

Challenges and Future Directions

While the potential medical applications of cone snail venom are exciting, significant challenges remain in translating this research into viable treatments. These include:

• Ensuring a sustainable and ethical source of venom compounds
• Developing methods to synthesize complex venom components in the laboratory
• Conducting extensive clinical trials to establish safety and efficacy
• Balancing the potential benefits of medical research with the need for cone snail conservation

As research continues, the unique properties of cone snail venom may lead to breakthrough treatments for a variety of human health conditions, underscoring the importance of preserving these remarkable creatures and their marine habitats.

Cone Snails (General Description) | Online Learning Center

Cone Snails (General Description)

Family Conidiae

CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulnerable

CLIMATE CHANGE: Not Applicable

At the Aquarium

These animals are not currently on exhibit at the Aquarium.

Geographic Distribution

Generally temperate to tropical oceans, including the Indian and Pacific Oceans, southern Australia, Great Barrier Reef, Hawaii, Baja California, and California.

Habitat

Most cone snails live in relatively shallow water near coral reefs, hiding in the sand, under coral shelves, or under or near piles of rubble. Some live among mangroves.

Physical Characteristics

All cone snails are wide at one end and narrow at the base (the typical “cone” shape). All have spires, (whorls above the body whorl) of varying heights at the wide end. A whorl is a full turn of the shell. Shell bodies (whorls) can be dull to very shiny, smooth to lined and bumpy. The shell’s aperture is long and narrow and does not have an operculum. The foot is strong and muscular and may be colorful. The siphon is well developed and may also be colorful.

Radular teeth are contained in the radular sac, and the size, number and design of these teeth varies by species. The body mantle is thickened at the edge, and in one area a cavity for gills exists between the mantle and the body. The head has two tentacles, each with an eye about halfway down the outer surface. Colors and patterns vary widely. Most have a background color of some variation of white, cream, pink or blue and are patterned in black, brown, orange or yellow, while some may be only one color.

Size

Sizes vary widely from 1.3 cm (0.5 in) to 21.6 cm (8.5 in) in length.

Diet

Cone snails are divided into three groups according to their diets:

• piscivores – fish eaters,
• molluscivores – mollusk/snail eaters, and
• vermivores – worm eaters

The radula of these snails vary both by species and diet specialization. Piscivore radula are elongated with a long smooth shaft tipped in long curved barbs. Molluscivore radulas have heavy barbs near the base and are serrated over most of the length of the shaft. Vermivore radula are short, broad, and strongly serrated with strong barbs near the middle.

When catching prey, cone snails first scent it with chemoreceptive cells on the proboscis, gently touch it with the proboscis, and then, lightning fast, sting the prey with the radula, (which is attached by a thread), and inject the venom. Within seconds, the prey is immobilized. The thread is then retracted and the prey engulfed through the expanded proboscis and moved to the stomach to be digested.

Reproduction

Although reproduction in cone snails has not been widely studied, it appears that most of these snails have separate sexes and fertilization is internal. Egg capsules of various shapes are laid and attached to substrate. Each capsule contains a varying number of eggs. Two types of hatchlings have been described, the veligers (free-swimming larvae) and veliconcha (basically baby snails).

Behavior

Most cone snails are normally active at night; however, some species hunt at dusk and dawn.

Adaptation

These slow-moving snails evolved into one of the fastest known hunters in the animal kingdom in their efforts to catch prey. Their average attack lasts only milliseconds. They use stealth and deliver paralyzing venom using stinging harpoons. Cone snail venom is very complicated chemically, varying widely in its makeup from species to species, whether a piscovore, the most toxic, or a vermivore, the least toxic; and with each individual sting or attack.

Cone snails are among the most toxic creatures on earth. Over 30 cases of envenomation have been documented worldwide with some fatalities. The venom, which has hundreds of active components, inhibits transmission of neuromuscular signals in the body, initially causing numbing and/or tingling at the site, which spreads to the affected limb, then to the whole body.

Conservation

Highly prized for the beauty of their shells, cone snails are in danger of being over-harvested by collectors. Some countries have put restrictions on their collection. Cone snails are also heavily collected for scientific studies on potential uses of the venom as medicines. Both reasons for collection could result in depleted populations. At the present time, no cone snail species are listed as endangered or threatened although there is increasing concern among scientists that some species should be and some countries have adopted regulations governing their collection and sale.

Special Notes

California’s cone snail, Conus californicus, is found from San Francisco to Baja where it lives in sand or gravel near rubble, from the low tide mark down to 30 m (100 ft). It is yellowish-brown with a faint white band, and very small, 1.9-4.1 cm (0.75 -1.6 in) long. It feeds on a wide variety of foods, but it prefers other snails. Although venomous, the California cone snail’s toxin is not very potent.

In 2005 the FDA approved two drugs synthesized from the venom of cone snails. Used to treat severe chronic pain, these drugs are reported to be non-additive and 50 times more effective than morphine at controlling pain.

Cone Snails – Divers Alert Network

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Cone snails are marine gastropods characterized by a conical shell and beautiful color patterns. Cone snails possess a harpoonlike tooth capable of injecting a potent neurotoxin that can be dangerous to humans.

There are about 600 species of cone snails, all of which are poisonous. Cone snails live in shallow reefs partially buried under sandy sediment, rocks or coral in tropical and subtropical waters. Some species have adapted to colder waters.

Mechanisms of Injury

Injuries typically occur when the animal is handled. Cone snails administer stings by extending a long flexible tube called a proboscis and then firing a venomous, harpoonlike tooth (radula).

Signs and Symptoms

A cone snail sting can cause mild to moderate pain, and the area may develop other signs of an acute inflammatory reaction such as redness and swelling. Conus toxins affect the nervous system and are capable of causing paralysis, which may lead to respiratory failure and death.

Prevention

If you see a beautiful cone-shaped marine snail, it is probably a cone snail. It’s difficult to tell whether a cone snail is inhabiting a given shell, as they are able to hide deep inside them. Since all cone snails are venomous, err on the side of safety, and do not touch it.

First Aid

Unfortunately there is no specific treatment for cone-snail envenomations. First aid focuses on controlling pain but may not influence outcomes. Envenomation will not necessarily be fatal, but depending on the species, the amount of venom injected, and the victim’s size and susceptibility, complete paralysis may occur, and this may lead to death. Cone snail venom is a mixture of many different substances, including tetrodotoxin (TTX).

The prevalence and incidence of cone snail envenomations are unknown but probably rare in divers and the general population. Shell collectors (professional or amateur) may be at higher risk.

• Clean the wound with fresh water, and provide care for the small puncture wound.
• Apply a pressure immobilization bandage. Application of heat might help with pain management, but since TTX is a heat-stable toxin, the application of heat will not denature the toxin.
• Watch for signs and symptoms of progressive paralysis.
  • Be prepared to provide mechanical ventilations with a bag valve mask or a manually triggered ventilator.
  • Do not wait for signs and symptoms of paralysis. Always seek an evaluation at the nearest emergency department. The bite site might be painless and still be lethally toxic.

Implications in Diving

For the Diver

• If you see a marine snail with a cone-shaped shell, it is best to assume it is a species of cone snail and refrain from handling it — even if the shell appears to be empty.
• Remember all species of cone snails can cause envenomation.
• If you or someone you are diving with has been stung, seek professional medical evaluation. Any doctor should be able to help, regardless of any dive medicine knowledge or training.
• Do not neglect these injuries. Although fatalities are rare, they are possible.

For the Diver Operator

Strongly discourage your customers from handling these creatures or their shells.

• As the leader of the expedition, you have a duty of care if a diver gets injured during your trip.
• Provide first aid treatment as descried above.
  • There are many folkloric first-aid treatments proposals; use common sense, and refrain from attempting any scientifically unsound solutions. Remember you might be liable.
• Make sure you have your customers evaluated by a medical professional.

For the Physician

• Treatment is symptomatic.
• Complications include flaccid paralysis.
  • Observation for 6 to 8 hours is recommended to rule out respiratory depression.
• Conus toxins are composed of several proteins, carbohydrates and quaternary ammonium derivates, which can cause cardiotoxicity , convulstant activity, vasoactive effects and flaccid paralysis.
• Thermocoagulation could help denature some toxin components at the wound site.
• There is no antivenom available.

For additional information about marine life injuries, check out the Hazardous Marine Life Medical Reference Book.

Aquarium snail species with photo, name and description

Aquarium snail species with photo and name

For the convenience of our guests and regular users, we have compiled a catalog of popular aquarium snails. The list of snails is in alphabetical order, with a photo and a link to a single mollusk. Also, we recommend watching a video clip in which the heroes of the occasion are perfectly visualized.

We hope that our efforts will help many people decide on the choice of slippery pets. And this will help beginners to understand that not all slugs are bastards who need to get rid of, like the Nazis in forty-five.

Apple snail

This yellow snail is well known to any aquarist. Perhaps only a novice lover of the aquarium world, entering a pet store, wonders about this yellow, creeping inhabitant of the aquarium.

There are many different types of apple snails. In addition, the Black Mystery snail also belongs to the Ampularia family. There are purple snails, there are blue ones and even pink ones. The beautiful striped Spixie Elven snails are also relatives of the common yellow Ampoule. So, friends, the choice is large, I don’t want to take it.

Keep the ampoule in a normal fish tank. The snail is compatible with many types of fish, however, it should be borne in mind that some fish strive to pinch them by the mustache, some fish feed on mollusks. In view of this, we recommend keeping snails with peaceful and non-aggressive fish, and if in doubt, consult the pet store sellers. Ampoules do not live long with gourami, other labyrinth fish, with tetradons, with large and aggressive cichlids of Africa and America.

River livebearer

The body of meadowsweet is dark gray-brown, and golden-brown dots are scattered on this dark background. The leg of the meadow grass is muscular, massive, with a groove on the lower surface.

The river livebearer is a very variable species: each reservoir, each station of the reservoir leaves its own imprint on the shell.

Other features of the external appearance and internal structure, characteristic of all species of lawns, are given in the description of the Viviparidae family. Dimensions. The height of the sink is up to 40 mm, the width is up to 28 mm.

Coil

Coil snail (lat. Planorbis) is a representative of freshwater molluscs. In nature, the coil is found everywhere around the globe. Under natural conditions, snails live in shallow water, in slowly flowing and stagnant water bodies.

Reel snails are found in aquariums either brown or red. The shell is flat, spirally twisted. The body of the snail has an elongated conical shape, the same color as the shell. The shell of adult snails reaches ~ 5-7 millimeters in diameter and 3 millimeters in thickness. For movement, the snail uses a wide, flat leg, which is clearly visible outside the shell. On her head are long horns, long, thin paired tentacles, as well as eyes.

Corbicula

Corbicula, golden bivalve or yellow Javanicus ball (Corbicula Javanicus) in the wild is common in Southeast Asia. This tropical bivalve mollusk lives in the fresh waters of China, Indonesia and Vietnam. In Japan, a related species, the Japanese corbicula, is widespread. These are bottom clams. Half buried in the ground, they filter the water, absorbing various suspended organic particles.

Optimal parameters for keeping corbicula: temperature 22-27 ° C, pH 6.4-8.5, gH 10-24. Like any hydrobionts, these snails do not tolerate excessive concentrations of nitrogenous compounds – poisons: ammonia, nitrite and nitrate . In general, they are undemanding to the quality of the water in the aquarium, but there must be a good saturation of the water with oxygen, which means aeration in the aquarium is a must. Corbicula grow up to 3 cm in size. Life expectancy: 4 – 7 years.

Mariza

The habitat of the Marisa snail (Marisa cornuarietis) is extensive, it lives in rivers, lakes and swamps, where there is a lot of vegetation. This is a fairly large snail, the width of its shell is approximately 1.5-2 centimeters and 5 centimeters in height. The shell is yellow with dark stripes, has 3-4 turns.

Marise keeping conditions are standard, as for many other snails: alkaline environment pH 7.0 – 8.0, hardness 8-15, temperature 25 degrees. In soft and slightly acidic water, destruction of the shell is observed. The aquarium should not have a strong current and aggressive fish. Of course, there should not be overestimated concentrations of nitrogenous compounds Nh5, NO2, NO3, which is achieved by good filtration, aeration and timely replacement of aquarium water with fresh water.

Melania

The habitat of the melanie snail is Africa, Asia and Australia.

This is a viviparous mollusc that lives in the ground. The soil is their habitat, shelter, the place where they feed and breed.

Often, the melania snail gets into our aquarium by accident (with water from a pet store, with purchased plants, etc.). Some hobbyists consider this snail to be an aquarium parasite. And they can be understood, since the snail breeds exponentially in an aquarium. It is believed that getting rid of the formed population of melania is very difficult.

Neretins

Water parameters for the content of neretins: pH 6.5 – 8.0, dH 6 – 20. These conditions can encourage shell erosion and should be avoided. It is best to observe a hard alkaline environment. Temperature: 22 – 26 ⁰ C. Minimum aquarium volume: 8 – 10 liters per individual.

The larger the aquarium, the more relaxed these clams will feel. For painless maintenance, sudden changes in water, acidity and poor filtration must be avoided. Therefore, you will have to get a good filter and carry out weekly mandatory changes of 30% of the water in the aquarium. It is worth mentioning that Neretin snails are prone to escape, so the presence of a cover will not be superfluous.

Pagoda

Pagoda snail habitat (Brotia pagodula) – freshwater reservoirs of Myanmar, endemic snail.

The snail cannot be confused with other species, as its shell is very reminiscent of a pagoda (tower having a multi-level structure), hence the name. This mollusk was first described in 1847 by the British naturalist John Gould.

Pagoda snails are very peaceful and get along well with all the inhabitants of the aquarium. At the same time, they need some time to adapt, getting used to the new environment, the snails crawl out of the shelter in search of various growths and algae.

Pokemon

They are found under the names: tropical pond snail, radix, Radix rubiginosa. This is a tropical analogue of our domestic pond snail. Origin: Malaysia and Indonesia (Borneo). The natural habitat of Radix sp. in ponds and swamps. Life expectancy in an aquarium is about a year.

Snail is an algae-destroying Pokémon and even destroys blue-green algae. They prefer to eat decaying leaves and scrape the walls. Actively eat the bacterial film from the surface. In the aquarium, they do not show aggression towards plants.

Water parameters for keeping Pokémon are typical for a tropical aquarium: temperature 22-28 degrees, pH 6-8, kH 3-8, dH 8-10.

River zebra mussel

River zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) is a widespread bivalve species that lives in fresh and brackish waters. They have a greenish or yellowish shell, a characteristic triangular shape, with a pattern of transverse or zigzag brown stripes. The shell length of an adult mollusk is 4-5 cm. Adult mollusks feed and breathe by passing water through the gills in the mantle cavity.

This mollusc is not suitable for small aquariums: the recommended minimum size is from 90 liters!

The water temperature for this bivalve mollusc can range from +18C to +27C. There are no special requirements for water parameters.

Beeline horned snail

Area: South Africa. Size: up to 1.5 cm. Lifespan: 3 to 5 years. Color and shape of the shell: There are outgrowths on the shell, arranged in a chaotic manner. The growths can break off, which does not affect the health of the snail.

Horned snails are very easy to keep and will thrive in an aquarium of any size. To keep them in good shape, it is recommended to keep them in water with an acidity (pH) of at least 7, water hardness of at least 10-13. Otherwise, the shell of the snails will collapse, which will lead to their death. Horned snails can tolerate both cool and warm water, they are much more active in warm water. The water temperature is on average not lower than 24 ° C, at a temperature below their activity decreases.

Spixie

Elven snail biotope – reservoirs of South America. The snail has an oval, slightly narrowed shell. The color of the shell is light with stripes around the entire circumference. The body of the spicy snail is spotted and darker than the shell, it can acquire yellowish or brown hues. Spixies are small snails, the shell diameter of males is 2 cm, females are slightly larger -3 cm. Life expectancy is ~ 5 years.

Spixie belongs to the family Ampullariidae. But from the usual ampoule , spicy is distinguished by: incredible length of whiskers, lack of a siphon for breathing, speed of movement (spicy – Schumacher), behavior – spicy burrow into the ground during the day, lay eggs under water, while snails leave their clutch above the water surface .

Theodoxus

Theodoxus is a panacea for algae in the aquarium. In general, these snails are unpretentious. Their main food sources are algae and detritus. Therefore, a real gift for theodoxus will be glass that has not been cleaned of plaque. It is best to always leave some glass in the aquarium uncleaned – the clams will appreciate it! And the more the snail receives food, the faster it will grow.

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Theodoxus should be provided with a neutral or moderately alkaline environment. Strict adherence to the temperature regime is not at all necessary. Mollusks will feel good both at +20 and at +30 degrees. Theodoxus fluviatilis tolerates salty environments, which means it can also be kept in a marine aquarium. But in this case, it is important to remember that snails in salt water will be smaller.

See the detailed forum about teddyks – here .

Tiara

These gastropods have an unusual appearance – their shell is studded with thin and flexible needles.
And although these needles seem like prickly weapons, they are not. The hairs on the shell are very fragile and delicate, so they do not pose a danger to others. The natural habitat of Thiara cancellata is fresh and brackish water bodies on the island of Bohol in the Philippines. The hairy snail can be seen in shallow river waters at a depth of 1-3 meters and estuaries subject to tides. Also found on the islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The tiara snail grows up to only 2.5-3 cm in length. Their creamy, brownish or yellow shells are rounded and twist into spirals, each of which is separated by narrow dark grooves with calcareous deposits.

Thylomelania

The water temperature for keeping thylomelania at home is recommended to be maintained at about 28 degrees Celsius. In very hard water, they lose their activity, in other words, they hibernate, and very soft water leads to the destruction of the shell, although the snails are comfortable in it. Do not forget about the specific soil. At the bottom of your aquarium, leaves and wood (snags) must be laid, preferably a pair of stones that replace rocky soils for snails. But, in most cases, the soil should be sandy or loamy.

Fiza

Physa snail with a small, almost round shell, which differs from all similar shells in that its curl goes from left to right, and not from right to left. At the fiza, the end of the shell is pointed. Shell height 7-10 mm, thickness 4-6 mm. Such a size gives this snail a certain advantage, allowing the snail to climb into all sorts of cracks and nooks and crannies and perform its duties as a nurse. The tentacles are long, bristle-like. Eyes at the base, on the inside of the tentacles. The leg is long, pointed. The color of the animal is black-blue, the shells are yellow-brown or brown.

Helena

A very surprising and interesting representative of the molluscs in our aquariums are the Helena snails (Anentome Helena). These are quite beautiful and attractive inhabitants of the aquarium. These yellow-striped representatives of the water bodies of Thailand, Indonesia and Southeast Asia are unpretentious in keeping, feeding and breeding.

In addition to their decorative properties, helena snails have a very interesting feature – they are predators and feed on animals (protein food). Unlike many other freshwater snails, they do not eat plant matter.

Black Mystery Snail

The Black Mystery Snail belongs to the genus Pomacea of ​​the Ampullariidae family. This family contains ~120 different snail species. Like other representatives of the genus Pomacea, the black mystery has a special siphon process with which it captures and breathes atmospheric air.

Like all snails, black mysteries are easy to keep, they can live perfectly even in a 10 liter aquarium, as adults reach 5 cm in diameter. The snail will thrive in water with a pH of 6.5 to 8.0. The kN level should be in the region of 6-18, and the water temperature can range from 22 to 28 C.

Devil’s thorn

The habitat of the devil’s thorn snail is the reservoirs of Southeast Asia. Snails can be found in silty rivers bordering the sea coast. They are found in Madagascar, southern Africa, and also in North and South America.

Devil’s thorn is a large clam. The cone-shaped mollusk shell reaches 8 centimeters in length and about 2 centimeters in width. The shell has about eight spirals along its entire length. The standard color of the shell is deep black, but there are individuals with brown tones. The body of the mollusc is marbled, sometimes with a yellow or orange color. The leg of the snail has a round shape, slightly lighter than the body and has a brighter color.

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Category: Aquarium articles / Aquarium snails | Views: 269 681 | Date: 30-09-2021, 14:19 | Comments (3)

African Achatina snails – maintenance, nutrition and home care

Content:

• Appearance
• Varieties
• Behaviors
• Contents
• Care instructions
• If the snail went to sleep
• Feeding
• Interesting facts about Achatina
• Pins

The Achatina snail is a giant gastropod mollusk. Initially, Achatina lived in a warm and humid African climate, but then spread around the world – they can be found in India, Thailand, and also some US states.

In our country, this type of snail does not live in the wild – they are cold. But as pets, they have long gained popularity as unpretentious, funny and silent pets. It is interesting to observe their vital activity, they feel great in the hands of their owners, moreover, contact with snails does not cause allergic reactions.

How to make a tropical guest live comfortably at home?

Appearance

First, let’s figure out how the African Achatina differs from the usual snail. Their structure is the same – shell, body and head. They differ in shell shape, color and size.

Sink

Large, cone-shaped. It consists of 8-9 curls (in large individuals – up to fifteen). Strong enough, as it contains the internal organs of the mollusk. The color can be different and depends on the type of snail.

Head

Large enough. It has a mouth with teeth (there are about 25,000 of them!), as well as two pairs of horns. The upper, long ones are the eyes of a snail. The lower, short ones are her organs of smell. Achatina have no hearing organs.

Dimensions

The snail egg is small, about 5 cm in diameter. In the first year of life, hatched babies grow intensively, reaching their maximum size by the year.

Achatina growth table by months:

Some terminology

Columella – a section of the shell from the mouth to the right edge (if the snail is placed with the shell down).

Apex – the tip of the shell.

The leg is the body of a snail without a shell.

Varieties

Fulica

The most popular variety of Achatina. Their homeland is East Africa. It can weigh up to 450 grams and reach a length of 25 cm.

Subspecies:

• Standard

Shell: Various shades of brown with a pattern of lighter stripes. Apex and columella are light.

Body: Even tone from beige to dark brown.

• Hemeli

Shell: yellowish brown with dark stripes.

Body: Light beige to dark brown.

• Albino bodysuit

Shell: dark brown with light stripes.

Body: white.

• White Jade

Shell: dark brown.

Body: milky white matte.

• Rodation

Shell: light yellow.

Body: yellowish or light brown.

Reticulum

An active snail that likes to eat a lot. Record holder in size: some individuals can reach 30 cm! The shell of the reticulum has a spectacular brindle color.

Subspecies:

• Albino – milky white body.
• Standard – brown body.
• Dark Head – the head is darker than the body.
• Light head – a dark body with a light head.

Immaculate

The shell can be light or dark brown with stripes. A distinctive feature from other species is a dark leg with a light stripe.

Ordinary

Shell: striped. Colors range from pale yellow to light brown. Soft crimson columella and yellow apex.

Body: dark grey.

Lemon

A miniature snail, the maximum size of an adult is 8 cm.

Shell: conical. Color is lemon. Sand color apex.

Body: light beige.

Albopicta

Shell: light with a spectacular dark pattern.

Body: brown.

Glutinose (brown)

Shell: dark brown with small spots.

Body: dark brown.

Kraveni

Shell: light beige with dark stripes.

Body: brown.

Zanzibarica

Shell: light yellow with dark brown stripes.

Body: White to brown.

Behavior

Achatina are nocturnal animals, so their vigorous activity occurs at dusk. During the day, they sleep, buried in the ground or hiding under a pebble. In the evening, the mollusk crawls out of its hiding place in search of food. By the way, Achatinas practically do not see, their maximum is to distinguish between light and darkness. Young individuals are more active than old ones.

These snails are able to remember their owners. If the owner takes Achatina in his hands, she will crawl out of the shell and crawl along it, putting out funny horns-eyes.

Contents

If you decide to get an Achatina, the main task is to provide her with comfortable conditions close to her habitat. Several individuals can live in one territory at once, and not only one, but also different species.

Terrarium

It does not matter what material it will be made of – plastic or glass. The main thing is that the model is comfortable for the mollusk. Another important condition is safety. The tank must have a lid, or you can make it yourself from plastic or glass. The main requirement for a terrarium is the presence of ventilation holes. The minimum capacity for one individual is 10-15 liters.

Primer

The bottom of the terrarium must be covered with a thick layer of soil – at least 11 cm. Snails love to burrow into the soil to rest or lay eggs. Make sure it is always slightly damp. To do this, spray it with water from a spray bottle several times a day.

Coco coir or sphagnum moss can be used as soil. They retain moisture well, which is necessary for snails.

Sand, sawdust and stones as soil are contraindicated – a pet can damage a leg or a sink about them.

Coconut substrate

These are compressed fibers and coconut shells. It does not have the peculiarity of caking, so you can not be afraid that Achatina will die.

How to prepare the coco substrate:

• Place it in a container (eg a basin) and fill it with hot water.
• Wait about half an hour – it will swell.
• Transfer to a colander and rinse thoroughly.

Tip! Plant Cat Grass in the ground to provide your pet with another source of food.

Sphagnum moss

It is an eco-friendly material with good breathability. Can serve as additional food for snails. Most often it is placed on a coconut substrate. And it will effectively protect the pet from pathogenic microflora.

Decor

During the day, the snail mostly sleeps, so it needs a secluded corner to relax. It can be equipped with decorated elements:

• driftwood;
• coconut houses;
• grottoes;
• various decorations – houses, castles, rocks, etc.

Care instructions

1. Moisten the soil daily. The snail will not be comfortable living in a dry substrate and may go into hibernation. Once a week, it must be thoroughly washed, a complete replacement should be carried out monthly.

2. It is worth cleaning every day. Remove leftover food and excrement.

3. Maintain the optimum temperature in the terrarium – 26-28 degrees. If the apartment is cold, it will help to provide the mollusk with warmth thermal pad . The fact that the snail is frozen is indicated by its long stay in the ground.

4. In order for the terrarium to be sufficiently humid, you can put a bowl of water on the ground.

5. Before you take the snail in your hands, moisten them with water. Take the snail by gently sliding your palm under its leg. After returning your pet to the terrarium, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

6. Avoid direct sunlight on the terrarium.

If the snail has gone to sleep

Hibernation is a natural process for Achatina. She indicates that something does not suit the snail.

Possible reasons:

• stress;
• dry soil;
• low humidity;
• lack of food;
• she is too hot.

Before going into a state of suspended animation, the mollusk covers the mouth of the shell with a hard white film. To wake up a pet, first you need to eliminate the possible causes of hibernation, and then substitute the pet under a thin stream of water at room temperature. This simulates tropical rain, which is a wake-up call for Achatina.

Feeding

The diet of a snail involves three components – fiber, proteins, minerals.

Sources of fiber are fresh fruits and vegetables. Young individuals need to be given them daily, older ones – once every few days. You should not give preference to any one type of food, as in the future the gastropod will get used to it and will refuse a different type of food.

Proteins are necessary for the snail’s leg to grow in proportion to the shell. It is best to give the gastropod feeding for fish – gammarus and daphnia. The protein content in them is optimally balanced. The main thing is not to overdo it: 2-4 crustaceans once every three days.

Perhaps the most important element in the Achatina diet is mineral supplements. They are needed to form a strong and large shell. In the terrarium of the snail, there should always be a mineral calcined stone and sepia, which contains iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc and other trace elements.

Important! The lack of calcium in the body of Achatina leads to its stunting.

It is necessary to clean up leftover food every day. For convenience, put it in a bowl. For large snails, it is better to choose ceramic models – they are more stable. For babies, use plastic ones – it is impossible to damage an unformed shell about them.

Interesting facts about Achatina

1. These clams can make sounds similar to gurgling. This is due to the fact that the air leaves the spiracle at high speed.

2. Average life expectancy at home is 2-4 years. Five-year-old snails are considered long-lived.

3. They drink Achatina not only with the mouth, but also with the body, or rather, with its cells.

4. Their mucus secretes a special protein – mucin. It is widely used in cosmetology.

5. The average speed that snails can develop is 6 cm / min.

6. Achatina – hermaphrodites. They are also capable of self-fertilization. In a lifetime, one snail can lay up to four million eggs.

7. These are the smartest gastropods. They are able to recognize the owners and even make decisions.

8. They can crawl on a razor’s edge without hurting themselves.

9. Salt and sugar are deadly substances for Achatina, so it is strictly forbidden to feed them “from the table”.

Terminals

1.