Rabbit Snail (Tylomelania sp.) Care Guide

A striking large snail from Sulawesi with an elongated spiral shell and a face resembling a rabbit. Available in yellow, orange, and chocolate varieties.

Overview

Tylomelania sp. is a species in the family Pachychilidae. A striking large snail from Sulawesi with an elongated spiral shell and a face resembling a rabbit. Available in yellow, orange, and chocolate varieties. Slow-moving and peaceful, it is a gentle substrate cleaner that reproduces very slowly.

Taxonomy

Family: Pachychilidae
Genus: Tylomelania
Scientific name: Tylomelania sp.
Other names: Tylomelania, Elephant Snail
Origin: Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Sulawesi

Habitat

Endemic to the ancient lakes of Sulawesi, Indonesia (Matano, Towuti, Poso and adjacent waters). The genus Tylomelania includes more than 50 species, many of them ovoviviparous and restricted to single lake systems. Adapted to warm, hard, alkaline water and a calcium-rich substrate.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 40 L
Temperature: 26-30 °C
pH: 7.5-8.5
GH: 6-15 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 5-12 cm
Lifespan: 1-3 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Cherry Shrimp, Corydoras, Neon Tetra, Otocinclus
Avoid with: Assassin Snail, Clown Loach, Puffer Fish

Breeding

Breeding strategy: live-bearer
Breeding difficulty: intermediate