Hercules Snail care guide
Hercules Snail (Brotia herculea) — minimum tank 80 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 7.5-8.5.
Overview
Hercules Snail (Brotia herculea) is a large freshwater snail of the family Pachychilidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. Larger relative of the Pagoda snail with a stout, heavily-ridged shell. Burmese river endemic, demands flow and hard water.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pachychilidae
- Genus: Brotia
- Scientific name: Brotia herculea
- Common synonyms: Brotia Herculea
Habitat
Pachychilid snails are large freshwater gastropods of tropical Asia, including the Sulawesi lake endemics of the genus Tylomelania and the sculptured Brotia and elongate Faunus of South-East Asian rivers. Most are livebearers and graze algae, biofilm and detritus. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from Myanmar.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (21.1 US gal)
- Adult size: 5-7 cm
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- KH: 6-14 °dKH
- Lifespan: 2-4 years
Diet
The species is a detritivore, grazing algae, biofilm and decaying matter from surfaces and substrate; in aquaria its diet is supplemented with algae wafers and blanched vegetables when natural growth is scarce.
Compatibility
The Aquairi knowledge base lists this species as peaceful. Suitable tank mates include Hardwater fish. It should be kept away from Loaches, Pufferfish.
Breeding
Reproduction is live-bearing: females release fully formed juveniles rather than eggs, and aquarium breeding is rated difficult. Populations can build up steadily in stable, well-fed tanks.