White Spotted Rabbit Snail

Tylomelania patriarchalis

Animalia›Mollusca›Gastropoda›Pachychilidae

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.

At a glance

Size: 1.5 in; 4 cm
Min tank: 20 gal; 76 L
Temp: 75–82°F; 24–28°C
pH: 7.0-8.0
GH: 143–214 ppm; 8–12 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 3-4 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

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

See all 5

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eater that shares similar grazing habits and water parameter needs

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Compatible detritivore that will not compete aggressively for food resources

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful fish that occupy different tank zones and have compatible water requirements

good

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that will not disturb or prey on snails

excellent

Corydoras Sterbai

Peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish that shares similar water parameters and feeding habits

excellent

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it.