The Mystery Snail is a great scavenger in freshwater aquariums. Mystery snails feed on algae, excess food, and organic waste in the aquarium making it an excellent member of the clean up crew. It is an extremely peaceful freshwater snail that can reach 5cm in diameter. They are tropical aquatic snail and do not do well in cold water fish tanks. It is a South American species that has gills and an operculum which is used to protect when hiding in their shell.
Mystery snail's are peaceful and non-aggressive invertebrates. They are slow moving and lack ability to defend themselves other than retracting into their shell. Only keep with peaceful small species of aquarium fish that are not known to nip.
Here are some great tank mates for your mystery snail:
Mystery Snail are not picky eaters. In addition to scavenging for food such as excess fish food, algae and organic material, the will feed on algae wafers and vegetables.
Mystery Snail Tank Set-up
Aquatic Plants:
Mystery snails will consume aquatic plants when they are not well-fed or if the leaves of the plants are soft or decaying.
Consider use of aquatic plants with firmer leaves such as:
Interested in live plants for your aquariums? Browse live plants here.
Aquarium Lighting:
Snails don't require any specific lights however they do appreciate area's of shade which can be created with use of ornaments, live or fake plants.
Looking for new fish tank lighting? Shop aquarium lighting
here.
Aquarium Filter:
Mystery snails enjoy some organic waste in the aquarium. Avoid strong and direct water flow. Select an aquarium filter suited for your aquarium size. Some options include sponge filters, hang on filters and canister filters.
Check out our huge range of aquarium filters here.
Aquarium Heater:
Mystery snails enjoy warmer temperatures between 20 - 28 degrees Celsius. A heater is recommended in cold climates and during winter. Aquarium heaters help stabilize water temperature keeping it consistent. Always use a fish tank thermometer to monitor temperature.
Looking for an aquarium heater? Shop fish tank heaters here.
Aquarium Decorations:
Mystery snails enjoy climbing in, around, on and under all types of aquarium ornaments. Driftwood in particular produces a natural organic bio-film that mystery snails love to eat. In addition to driftwood, use natural rock, ornaments, caves and silk plants.
Shop high quality aquarium safe décor here.
Aquarium Substrate:
Aquarium Sand, gravels of all grades, and pebbles are all suitable for mystery snails. They will appreciate scavenging for food between the substrate.
A variety of Substrates are available at Coburg Aquarium.
