Rabbit snail

Tylomelania geminata

Family : Pachychilidae

InvertebrateFreshwatersnail

A freshwater snail with an elongated, pointed shell, native to Sulawesi. It is valued for its size and active behavior.

Popularity
Freshwater snail
algivore or detritivore
Availability
Common in shops
Shop availability
IUCN Status
NE
Not Evaluated

Description

The rabbit snail has a conical, dark brown to black shell with visible growth lines. It can reach 8 cm in length. Its body is dark gray with long, thin tentacles. Unlike many snails, it is viviparous: it gives birth to fully formed young. It moves by burrowing into the substrate in search of food. It is a hardy species but sensitive to high nitrates. In the aquarium, it often remains visible and explores the decor.

Habitat

Region :

Rabbit snails inhabit the freshwater lakes of Sulawesi, characterized by hard, alkaline water. They are found in sandy and rocky areas, often near the shores. Aquatic vegetation is sparse, but the substrate is rich in organic detritus.

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2428 °C
pH7.58.5
GH815 °dGH
KH510 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 10 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.2 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
2/5
Diet
Herbivore
Min. tank
40 L
Min. group
1
Adult size
8 cm
Lifespan
3 years
Temperament
Peaceful
Propagation
Viviparous; gives birth to 1–3 fully formed young every 1–2 months.

Care notes

Keep the rabbit snail in an aquarium of at least 40 L with hard, alkaline water (pH 7.5–8.5, GH 8–15). The ideal temperature is 24–28 °C. A sandy or fine substrate is recommended to allow burrowing. It feeds on algae, blanched vegetables, and bottom-feeder pellets. Avoid high nitrate levels (max 10 mg/L). It cohabits peacefully with fish and non-aggressive invertebrates. Reproduction is slow, with births every 1–2 months.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References