Description
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (Melanoides tuberculata) is a small, burrowing freshwater snail with an elongated, conical shell that is typically light brown with reddish spots or bands. It is hardy, reproduces rapidly through a form of live bearing (parthenogenesis), and spends its days buried in the substrate, which helps aerate the aquarium. They are omnivorous scavengers, feeding on algae, detritus, and decaying matter, and are useful for maintaining clean aquarium tanks.
Features
Shell: Long, conical shape resembling a sugar cone, often with distinct vertical ribs.
Colour: Typically light brown or grey, but can also be creamy white or dark, with reddish-brown spots or spiral bands.
Size: Adults generally reach about 1 inch (25 mm) in length.
Head: Flattened, with two tentacles and eyes at their bases.
Operculum: Possesses a ‘trapdoor’ that seals the shell opening for protection.
Specifications & Biology
Habitat: Native to northern Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, now found worldwide, especially in aquariums.
Behaviour: Most active at night, spending the day buried in the substrate to aerate it.
Diet: Algae, plant detritus, dead organic matter, and other leftover food.
Reproduction: Parthenogenetic and ovoviviparous (livebearers). Females reproduce without males, giving birth to live young in a brood pouch.
Lifespan: Approximately one year under good conditions.
Benefits in an Aquarium
Substrate Aeration:
Their burrowing helps prevent harmful gas build up by keeping the substrate loose and oxygenated.
Waste Removal:
They consume leftover food and decaying matter, which helps keep the tank clean.
Hardiness:
Hardy and tolerant of various water conditions, making them easy to care for.
Potential Issues
Overpopulation:
Their rapid, live bearing reproduction can lead to overpopulation if not managed, particularly with overfeeding.
Invasive Species:
Outside of an aquarium setting, they can outcompete native snail populations and are considered an invasive species in many areas.Malaysian
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