Pagoda Snail care guide
Pagoda Snail (Brotia pagodula) — minimum tank 60 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 7.5-8.5.
Overview
Pagoda Snail (Brotia pagodula) is a large freshwater snail of the family Pachychilidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. Striking ornate snail with strongly ridged spire resembling a Buddhist pagoda. From Burmese rivers, requires hard alkaline water with strong flow.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pachychilidae
- Genus: Brotia
- Scientific name: Brotia pagodula
- Common synonyms: Pagoda Snail
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: 60 L (15.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 3-5 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, Loricariids. It should be kept away from Loaches, Pufferfish, Assassin Snail.
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.