My Ramshorn snail is
reproducing :| -03/27/08
Hello again everyone!
I've been reading about snails on your website so long my eyes feel like they're
going to fall out! Very helpful, but i just have a couple quick questions for
you. I recently bought a Ramshorn snail from the pet store, and he's been doing
great so far in my tank - a little too great in fact. He (and she, I suppose)
just laid a nice big batch of eggs in one of our fake plants. From what I've
read online so far, I understand that this will probably not be the only time
this happens and snails tend to lay eggs like crazy. Now, being the paranoid
fish owner that I am, I am worried about the fish in my tank! I know they will
probably not do well to have a snail infestation. I've got a collection that
includes one violet goby, one dojo loach, two Bala sharks, one clown Pleco,
three black skirts, one emperor tetra, and two blue rams. So far, no one has
touched the eggs as a meal, so I am worried that once they hatch there'll be a
similar reaction - that is, none. I read that loach's eat the baby snails, but
will any of the other fish? And if not, should we try to get rid of any future
eggs before they hatch to prevent the snails from taking over?
Thanks so much for your time,
Kelly
<Yes, the Loach will eat the baby snails. Chances of the snail population
causing problems are low, but if you want to be sure, by all means remove the
snail eggs. Cheers, Neale.>
Re: Green Spotted Puffer,
Coquina Clams, and Mole Crabs... + Now, raising snails... for puffer food
– 12/14/2007
Marco,
Within two hours of placing the snails into the 20 gallon, I had a cluster of
eggs smack-dab in the middle of the front pane of glass. Now, a few days later,
they are getting' down-and-going' to town. Another question: I've read that one
should rinse lettuce leaves (Romaine), dry them, then freeze them for a few
minutes before feeding to the snails. Is it okay to just buy a head of lettuce,
separate the leaves, wash, dry, and leave in the freezer until needed?
<Sounds okay. Personally I prefer feeding well washed slices of cucumber and
other vegetables in addition to old (but still good) fish flakes. Ramshorns are
not picky and as long as you do not poison them with pesticides or heavy metals
they seem to thrive on various foods.>
What I buy always goes bad in the fridge before the snails can eat it all. It
may be a silly question, but I want to make sure before I do so.
Thanks for the link on picky puffer feeding. I've read it. Pete doesn't have a
problem with other dead foods. Loves squid and bloodworms (dead, of course) and
will even eat some greens (macro algae). He also gets mealworms (live) and
snails when I have them available......I'll try the chopstick trick and see if I
can get him to eat clams/oysters that way....or maybe I won't need to now that I
can use Coquinas.
Speaking of feeding him live foods....my backyard is Roly-Poly Central
(Woodlice). I think I read somewhere that these are okay to feed him. Just
double-checking with you. Are they?
<I feed them from time to time to GSPs and other puffers, but they are not among
their favourite foods and seem not to be very tasty.>
There are no pesticides that we use, so they should be okay in that regard. Our
sprinkler system does use water that isn't potable, though.
<You can rinse them and freeze them if you are feeling unsure.>
By the way, I called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Dept and was
told that I could remove 20 clams/crabs at a time without a license. Yeah!
<That’s good news. Very good you called.>
Hey, where's your picture under the Crew Bio section? I've seen Jeni on her
Harley and Bob in his leopard print wrestling tights (eeeee hehehehe), Anthony
with his beanie and goatee (you ROCK, Dude); plus pictures of other crew
members. But no Marco.....! What gives? I'm just sayin', is all.
<I'm very shy and reclusive.. just kidding. Will send a picture to Bob if
needed. Until then you can find a picture on my homepage
http://www.geo-lichtenberger.de.vu/ , click at “Zur Person”.>
Thanks again, Corinthian.
<Not much to do here for me, but lots of good information for other GSP owners
by you. Thanks for writing. Great how you care for Pete. Marco.>
Attn: Bob Fenner, Variety of questions... on Bettas.... health... and
snails... comp.... and algae 5/2/06
Hi Bob (if you don't mind the familiarity),
<Not at all... is my name...>
Thanks for your reassurances. Terrence and Edmund are both doing fine, in
fact Edmund's fins look a bit less curly. I did get Terrence to try
bloodworms and he loves them.
<Few Bettas can resist these>
The patchy white spot hasn't spread, though I haven't seen him blow any
bubble nests lately.
With more frequent water changes (10% 2x a week, 40% once a week out of a
2.5 gallon tank) the water is still 0 ammonia, now 0 nitrites, and the
nitrates are hovering around 20 ppm. I've been feeding less-- skipping a
day occasionally, and when I do feed, 2-3 Betta pellets with sometimes a bit
of bloodworm, or sometimes just a bloodworm. Still too much?
<Not likely>
I have a good number of Malaysian burrowing snails-- I'd hazard a guess of
10.
<Soon to be more>
Except for two old ones of maybe 3/4 of an inch, they're all about 1/4
inch or smaller. I used to have a large population of small Ramshorns, but
not long after the move to this new tank, the Ramshorns have gradually died
off except for one, whose shell is covered with white scratches. (I'm it's
because my water is soft and slightly acidic. All the Ramshorns started
looking that way as time went on, though the burrowing ones haven't shown
any shell problems.) I was wondering if the die-off may have raised my
nitrate levels, and if the waste of the current population could be
contributing. The snails came in with plants from my LFS (and then
proceeded to multiply); I knew they were coming and kept them in hopes
they'd help keep the tank clean. If you think they should go, I'll remove
them via blanched zucchini or something similar.
<Might want to just do this occasionally to keep the numbers in check>
I've also had some small smudges of algae on my tank walls, and true to your
word in the snail article, the snails aren't eating it. It's not very
noticeable unless it's right between you and the tank light. It showed up
after I added aquarium salt-- any connection?
<Likely so>
There is also some green on my filter floss where it's moist but not
underwater, as well as an iridescent sheen on the surface of my water. The
filmy iridescence has always been there and I take out as much as I can with
water changes. The green growth I've seen before. Any advice for getting
rid of any of the above stuff?
<Posted... see WWM re>
I have been keeping my light on too long (about 14 hrs) so I'm setting up
a 10-hr timer, and I'm assuming the growth has to do with the high nitrates
as well. I scraped some of the algae off the walls... should I go after the
green stuff on the filter floss?
Thanks again,
Terrence's mom
(attached is my last email)
<Be chatting, reading. Bob Fenner>
My poor snail 1/18/06
I have a Ramshorn snail that I have had for a few months. I had noticed a
while back that his shell was deteriorating from the center of the spiral
outward. I called the place where I had gotten him and asked what was
causing it and they told me that snails shed and not to be concerned. Well,
it isn't getting any better and I came across the article "Damage on snail's
shell" and realized what it was. My pH is 7.0 and I am concerned about
adding the crushed coral substrate so I was wondering what else I could use
to add calcium. At this point his shell is really bad and I am afraid of
loosing him but I don't want to harm my other fish.
<A small bag full of crushed coral in the filter will have a good effect at
this pH, but do monitor KH and remove if it rises too high. Some commercial
GH buffers such as RO-right may also raise calcium, but add sparingly to get
a feel for their effect. Do read up on your fishes' requirements before
attempting to adjust such parameters. Bear in mind also that the snail may
just be showing signs of age or lack of food. Best regards, John>
Snail Stuff
Hi Scott
The pH reduction was on the advice of the fish shop man. but he said he didn't
have a book to look up in so he was guessing. What should pH be for a Ramshorn?
Liddy
<Well- no specific pH. Like with other aquatic creatures, stability is what
works best...Make sure that the snail has plenty of food, a stable water temp,
and he/she will be just fine!
Good luck! Scott F.>
Re: snails-Ramshorn
Thank you in regards to the question of sex of the single birthing mother
snail. Now another for you please. I have 3 large goldfish or carp now, and
was wondering if I can put snails in the same tank without them getting eaten.
<This should work out fine. These minnow fishes don't generally eat snails>
Also, I do not use a heater in my carp tank, just room temperature, and do
have snails born in another tank I have that have a heater, will they survive
the temperature of room and if yes or no, can you tell me some names of snails
that can survive with my carp in room temperature. tanks, Paul
<This also should be fine. Please see here re your last question:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/PondSubWebIndex/pdsnails.htm
Most all of the larger species of snails sold in our interest (particularly of
the genus Pomacea (= Ampullaria) will do well. Bob Fenner>
Red Ramshorn snail
Hi
<Hi there! Scott F. here today>
My friend has a single red Ramshorn in her tank (no other inhabitants). The
shop she bought it from had no idea about giving info on how to care for it
properly. She has had it for several weeks but over the last month it's shell
has been getting very dark (almost black). He spends his time lying on his side
in the tank (he is not dead). She checked the pH it was 8 but is now 7
Any suggestions? Thanks, Liddy
<Well, Liddy- the Ramshorn snail is a remarkably adaptable animal (just ask
anyone who has them in their planted tanks!). They do eat a large amount of
vegetable matter, can eat uneaten food, etc. Snails do spend a lot ofttimes just
"sitting around". I know that you've heard the term "slow as a snail"...It's for
a reason! I would keep an eye out on that pH. A downward shift in pH is a call
to re-examine husbandry procedures (i.e; water changes, etc.). If this pH
reduction was intentional, please disregard this! Good luck! Scott F.>
Re: snails-Ramshorn
Thank you in regards to the question of sex of the single birthing mother
snail. Now another for you please. I have 3 large goldfish or carp now, and
was wondering if I can put snails in the same tank without them getting eaten.
<This should work out fine. These minnow fishes don't generally eat snails>
Also, I do not use a heater in my carp tank, just room temperature, and do
have snails born in another tank I have that have a heater, will they survive
the temperature of room and if yes or no, can you tell me some names of snails
that can survive with my carp in room temperature. tanks, Paul
<This also should be fine. Please see here re your last question:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/PondSubWebIndex/pdsnails.htm
Most all of the larger species of snails sold in our interest (particularly of
the genus Pomacea (= Ampullaria) will do well. Bob Fenner>
Ramshorn snails
I got a Ramshorn snail a few weeks ago. Since I got him (Ryan is his name)
he has gotten a white patch that is growing. It kinda looks like someone took
sandpaper to his shell. Is this something to worry about? I got 22 baby
swordtails less then 3 months old, 1 Pleco, 1 spiny loch, and one clown loach.
My setup is in a 20 gallon high. I got a heater and keep my tank around 72-74.
Is my snail healthy?
<He’s probably getting picked on by the loaches (especially the Clown) and they
will end up killing him as snails are a favorite food of theirs. Ronni>
Rams' Horn Snails - Good Guys or Bad?
I have been reading through a lot of the FAQ's and didn't find my
question...so here goes. I have a Ram Horn snail recently placed in my 55 gal.
freshwater tank. There is also an old large Pleco and an old large Tiger
Oscar. No one seems to bother the snail. My question: The Ram Horn snail has
laid several clusters of eggs in the artificial plant. Will these eggs hurt my
Oscar and Pleco?
<No, not at all. The Plec may even eat some as he cleans.>
Should I remove the eggs?
<Heh, that depends on whether or not you want lots of snails. They can multiply
tremendously.>
How do I handle this?
<You can either do nothing, or you can pull out the plant and scrape the eggs
off - but I'm fairly positive there will be eggs elsewhere in the tank, as
well. Either way, it is nothing to be horribly concerned about, except that
they can become an eyesore when there are too many of 'em. More here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwsnails.htm
.>
Thank you for any help you can give. Beverley
<Sure thing! Wishing you well, -Sabrina>
Rams' Horn Snails - Good Guys or Bad? - II
Thanks so much for your quick reply.
<You bet! We do try to answer things quickly.... with the volume of questions
we get, things sometimes slip through the cracks, but we certainly try to do our
best!>
You have made an instant fan. Beverley
<Ah, wonderful to hear! Wishing you well, -Sabrina>
Snail eggs
I got two Ramshorns snails last Wednesday and put them by themselves for a
couple of days to make sure they would live. One is a golden color the other is
the stripped kind. Then I put them in a small two gal tank with two Corys.
Yesterday I saw them stuck together and now today, I have a egg sack stuck to
the glass. I have three questions.
1. Should I keep the water level above the eggs?
>>Not sure. Here are some snail websites:
http://www.mtbaker.wednet.edu/harmony/ditch/ramshorn_snails.htm,
http://www.applesnail.net/,
http://www.naturegrid.org.uk/biodiversity/invert/snailram.html.<<
2. How long will it be, before they hatch?
>>I am not sure.<<
3. Will the Corys eat the eggs or the babies once the hatch?
>>Chances are good that they will eat them, yes. Check out the websites, I hope
they will help you. :D<<
Thanks
W.D.
>>You are welcome. -Gwen<<
Damage on Snail's Shell - 02/22/2004
I'm new to this...keeping up a small aquarium and finding info on the
internet. Anyway, my problem is similar to one I read from a fellow named Ryan
writing to WWM.
<I can't seem to find this particular correspondence, but hopefully we can help
you out.>
I have a Ramshorn snail that appears to have something (a parasite or organism?)
eating away at its shell.
<Mm, likely not an organism, but a deficiency in a certain nutrient(s). What is
your pH? What about total and carbonate hardness?>
The shell has a covering of algae on it but at the very center on each side, the
area where the spiral is the tightest (if that is a word), the shell looks as if
it is being eaten away.
<I understand precisely what you mean. This is more likely than not a nutrient
deficiency.>
Ryan, in his message described it as appearing as if someone has taken sandpaper
to the shell. That is what I am seeing too. The strange thing is that it appears
to be following the spiral, as if an organism is eating from the center
outwards.
<The reason this is happening is because the inner part of the spiral, near the
center, is the oldest part of the shell; as the snail grows, the shell in the
center just gets older and older, it's not living tissue. If the water lacks
certain stuff (calcium and iodine, primarily) the shell dissolves over time.>
In this case the only other organisms in the 5 gal. tank are a small goldfish
now about 2 in. long tip to tip and a small catfish about 1 in. long. When I
mentioned this to the pet store they seemed to think that the fish would not be
doing this.
<Agreed.>
Is the goldfish doing this?
<No. I doubt that goldfish are ambitious enough to eat live snails - and
certainly aren't capable of pitting their shells in this manner.>
or is there a parasite or other organism responsible?
<I highly doubt that this is the case; I know of no organism that does this.>
If the fish is doing it wouldn't it have random pitting all over the shell
instead of a pattern identical on both sides?
<Of the few fish that would damage snail shells (puffers come to mind), I agree,
yes. The best suggestion I have for you is to check your pH, GH, and KH, and
depending upon what you're at now, you may consider adding a satchel of crushed
coral substrate to try to bring up the calcium (and thereby, hardness, which
will bump your pH up, too - so beware). Before you do that, I recommend trying
adding iodine (use Kent marine iodine, at a rate of one drop per ten gallons
weekly - NOT the saltwater dose printed on the label). I do this for my
freshwater shrimp, and as a side effect, the few large Ramshorn survivors in my
tank have rich, lustrous shells now. The damage that has already happened on
the shell is basically not reversible, but fixing the problem should help your
snails to produce lovely shells from here on out.>
Candace
<Wishing you well, -Sabrina>
Unknown snails in FW tank
I've been reading up on the various snails that sometimes sneak their way into
planted freshwater tanks and I'm left a little confused. I understand that it's
impossible to tell most snail's gender, but I'm not sure if it only takes 1
snail to turn into a million little copies of itself, or if it still requires
two.
<Some species are monoecious ("one house"... hermaphrodites, both functional
sexes in one individual), others are dioecious...>
Reason I'm asking is recently two such specimens showed up in our 20g tank, we
quickly plucked them out and put them into an old 10g for quarantine. They're
not the same breed by any stretch, one looks like a Ramshorn and the other is
some form of smaller apple snail from what I can tell. In any even... they've
been there for a few weeks munching away on algae and we've seen no signs of
breeding or eggs. Is it safe to put them back into the display tank? Thanks!
~Mike~
<Always a bit of a risk... these may reproduce still... but then again, you may
still have more snails to come from wherever these ones originated! Bob Fenner>
Re: Unknown snails in FW tank
Thanks for the info! Unfortunately you were right, another Ramshorn popped
up in the display tank.
No less than an hour after putting it in the quarantine there were eggs on the
glass.
<Ah ha! And like most humans, I do greatly enjoy (the rare occasion) of being
"right", or actually hearing same. Heeeee! Do take a read re our take on FW
snails:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwsnails.htm
and the Related FAQs (linked, in blue, at top)
You may want to employ a snail eater if these gastropods get to be "too much".
Bob Fenner>
A question on snails
Hello, I just purchased a snail from a local pet store, unsure what kind it
is, the shell is brown with white, yellowish stripes and it is about the size of
a quarter.
<Sounds like a Ramshorn. Please see here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwsnails.htm>
anyway I have put the snail in my 10 gallon fresh water tank to eat algae on
my tank. I have 3 painted tetras, a rainbow shark and a platy in the tank with
plastic plants. When I put the snail in the tank he did not move for hours, I
then figured out that he was upside down, so I flipped him up right. The next
thing time I looked in the tank he was flipped upside down again so I flipped
him back upside right.
<No need to flip... will do this on its own... if it is alive. Bob Fenner>
but he or something keeps flipping him upside down. Is this normal and should I
just leave the snail alone or what? I am confused, This has happened several
times now. Thanks
Kathy
