Mystery Snails Care Guide

Mystery snails are a popular and resilient choice for aquarists who want to add a peaceful, intriguing presence to their tanks. These snails are easy to care for and typically affordable, making them a great option for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike.

Tank Setup

Mystery snails thrive in a temperature range of 18°C to 28°C. Ensure your tank has a reliable heater to maintain the water temperature within this range. Since they are not territorial, you don’t need a large tank unless you plan on keeping many snails or other aquatic creatures alongside them. A 10-gallon tank is typically sufficient for a few snails.

It is essential to use a tank lid as these snails can escape if the water level is too high. Substrate options such as sand or small smooth gravel will work well, providing a soft surface for the snails to traverse. Consider including decorations like plants, rocks, or driftwood to enrich their environment, as they enjoy exploring their surroundings.

Water Quality

Mystery snails are resilient to varying water parameters, but it's crucial to maintain good water quality with regular changes to prevent the buildup of ammonia or nitrate levels. A pH level between 7.0 and 8.0 is suitable. Utilize a sponge filter to prevent the snails from becoming trapped and ensure efficient biological and mechanical filtration. It's also important to avoid copper-based medications, as these can be lethal to snails.

Feeding

Mystery snails are scavengers and will help in cleaning up leftover food and algae in the tank. Nevertheless, it's important to provide them with a well-rounded diet. You can supplement their diet with blanched vegetables such as zucchini, lettuce, or spinach. Algae wafers and sinking pellets can also be a good source of nutrition for them. Since they enjoy a calcium-rich diet for shell health, you can give them cuttlebone or calcium supplements to ensure they’re getting enough nutrients.

Compatibility and Behavior

These snails are very peaceful and generally do well with other non-aggressive species. They exhibit no increase in aggression during breeding, making them a great addition to community tanks. They rarely show any territorial behavior, ensuring they coexist peacefully with their tank mates.

Breeding

Mystery snails are relatively easy to breed. They require both a male and a female for breeding, as they are not hermaphrodites. You'll often see them laying egg clutches above the water line or on the hood of the tank. To encourage breeding, maintain ideal water conditions and ensure a protein-rich diet. If you're interested in hatching the eggs, gently move the clutches to a separate, humid environment to protect them until they hatch.

With the right care and environment, mystery snails can become an enriching part of your aquarium, marveling you with their serene behavior and helping keep your tank clean.