Quilted Melania care guide
Quilted Melania (Tarebia granifera) — minimum tank 20 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 7-8.5.
Overview
Quilted Melania (Tarebia granifera) is a trumpet snail of the family Thiaridae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. Tropical livebearing trumpet-shaped snail similar to MTS but with a textured 'quilted' shell pattern. Aerates substrate.
Taxonomy
- Family: Thiaridae
- Genus: Tarebia
- Scientific name: Tarebia granifera
- Common synonyms: Granular Trumpet Snail
Habitat
Thiarid trumpet snails are livebearing freshwater gastropods of tropical Asia and adjacent regions. They burrow into the substrate by day and emerge at night, aerating the bed; many populations reproduce parthenogenetically and can spread rapidly. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from Southeast Asia (introduced widely).
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 20 L (5.3 US gal)
- Adult size: 1-3 cm
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 7-8.5
- GH: 8-20 °dGH
- KH: 4-14 °dKH
- Lifespan: 1-2 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 Most fish. 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 easy. Populations can build up steadily in stable, well-fed tanks.