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White Spotted Rabbit Snail
Tylomelania patriarchalis
📍 Sulawesi, Indonesia
The White Spotted Rabbit Snail is a large, attractive freshwater snail native to Sulawesi, Indonesia, known for its distinctive elongated shell with white spots and peaceful demeanor. These snails are excellent algae grazers and detritivores that help maintain tank cleanliness while adding visual interest. They are moderately hardy and suitable for established tanks with stable water parameters.
Care Guide
Diet
White Spotted Rabbit Snails are primarily herbivorous and will graze on algae and biofilm throughout the tank. Supplement their diet with blanched vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, and cucumber, as well as quality algae wafers and sinking pellets. Feed 2-3 times per week, removing uneaten food after 24 hours.
Behavior
These snails are slow-moving bottom dwellers that spend most of their time grazing and exploring the substrate. They are nocturnal and more active during evening and night hours, though they may emerge during the day in well-established tanks with abundant food. They are generally solitary but can coexist peacefully with other snails.
Breeding
White Spotted Rabbit Snails are dioecious (separate sexes) and breeding in captivity is difficult and rarely occurs in home aquariums. Females may lay eggs in small clusters on hard surfaces, but these rarely develop successfully without specific conditions. Overbreeding is not a concern for this species.
Tank Mates
Peaceful algae eater that shares similar grazing habits and water parameter needs
Compatible detritivore that will not compete aggressively for food resources
Peaceful fish that occupy different tank zones and have compatible water requirements
Small, peaceful schooling fish that will not disturb or prey on snails
Peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish that shares similar water parameters and feeding habits
Common Diseases
Shell Erosion
Pitting, holes, or flaking in the shell; weakened shell structure; visible damage to shell surface
Increase water hardness (calcium) through mineral supplements or crushed coral; ensure pH is stable above 7.0; provide cuttlebone or calcium-rich foods; perform regular water changes
Parasitic Flukes
Excessive mucus production; lethargy; withdrawal into shell for extended periods; visible parasites on body
Perform 25-30% water changes daily; increase aeration; treat with anti-parasitic medication if severe; quarantine affected snails; maintain pristine water quality
Bacterial Infection
Discoloration of shell or body; foul odor; tissue decay; inability to retract into shell
Improve water quality through frequent water changes; remove decaying food and waste; maintain stable parameters; consider antibacterial treatment in severe cases; isolate infected snails
Copper Toxicity
Lethargy; failure to feed; shell damage; death
Perform immediate large water changes; avoid all copper-based medications and fertilizers; use copper-free treatments only; ensure tap water is copper-free; test water regularly for copper contamination
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Herbivore/detritivore - feeds on algae, biofilm, decaying plant matter, and soft vegetables
- lifespan
- 3-4 years
- max size
- 4 cm (1.6 in)
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 7.0-8.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 8-12 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)