Rabbit Snail (Tylomelania spp.)

Overview

• Common Name: Rabbit Snail
• Scientific Name: Tylomelania species (e.g., T. zemis, T. gemmifera)
• Origin: Sulawesi, Indonesia
• Size: 3–5 inches (7.5–13 cm)
• Lifespan: 2–3 years (sometimes longer with proper care)
• Colour Variants: Yellow, orange, black, white-tipped, and spotted
• Behaviour: Slow-moving, peaceful

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters)
• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel — they like to dig
• Décor: Rocks, driftwood, and live plants
• Filtration: Gentle to moderate (they don’t like strong currents)
• Lighting: Moderate to low
• Cover: Not strictly needed — they rarely escape

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 76–84°F (24–29°C)
• pH: 7.2–8.5 (alkaline is best)
• Hardness: Moderate to hard (for shell health)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: < 30 ppm
• Note: Prefer very stable, well-maintained water—sensitive to swings

Diet

• Feeding Type: Omnivore
• Primary Foods:
• Algae (biofilm and soft green algae)
• Blanched vegetables: zucchini, spinach, kale
• Repashy gel foods, algae wafers
• Protein: fish pellets, sinking shrimp food (occasionally)
• Calcium-rich foods or supplements for shell growth

Behaviour & Compatibility

• Temperament: Extremely peaceful and slow
• Tankmates:
• Ideal: shrimp, peaceful fish (rasboras, tetras, corydoras)
• Avoid: loaches, puffers, aggressive or snail-eating fish
• Activity Pattern: Mostly active during the day
• Fun Fact: Named “rabbit” for their long “face” and tentacle-like feelers

Breeding

• Reproduction: Livebearers (internal fertilization)
• Breeding Rate: Slow (1 baby every 4–6 weeks)
• Fry Care:
• Babies are born fully formed
• Will feed on the same diet as adults
• No need to separate from parents

Care Tips

• Stable, clean water is essential — sensitive to poor conditions
• Supplement with calcium — crushed coral or cuttlebone helps
• Provide hiding spots and soft substrate
• Regular water changes (but avoid big swings)
• Do not use copper-based medications