Black Rabbit Snail care guide
Black Rabbit Snail (Tylomelania patriarchalis) — minimum tank 80 L, temperature 26-30 °C, pH 7.5-8.5.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Black Rabbit Snail (Tylomelania patriarchalis) is a large freshwater snail of the family Pachychilidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. Largest Tylomelania species, with shiny black body and shell. Grows up to 12 cm. Same Sulawesi water requirements.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pachychilidae
- Genus: Tylomelania
- Scientific name: Tylomelania patriarchalis
- Common synonyms: Patriarch Rabbit, Patriarchalis
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 Sulawesi (Indonesia).
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (21.1 US gal)
- Adult size: 8-12 cm
- Temperature: 26-30 °C (79-86 °F)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 6-14 °dGH
- KH: 4-10 °dKH
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
The species is a herbivore, 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 Sulawesi shrimp, Hardwater fish. It should be kept away from Loaches, Pufferfish, Assassin Snail. It grazes and may damage soft aquarium plants, so it is best suited to hardscape or species tanks.
Breeding
Reproduction is live-bearing: females release fully formed juveniles rather than eggs, and aquarium breeding is rated moderate. Populations can build up steadily in stable, well-fed tanks.
Breeding the Black Rabbit Snail (Tylomelania patriarchalis)
Overview
Tylomelania patriarchalis is one of the larger rabbit snails endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia. Like all members of the genus it belongs to the family Pachychilidae and is dioecious, with separate male and female animals rather than hermaphrodites. It grazes algae and biofilm slowly and is adapted to warm, hard, alkaline Sulawesi lake water.
Its larger body size means a roomier tank is needed, but the breeding biology mirrors that of other rabbit snails: very slow, with a single offspring produced at a time. Captive breeding eases pressure on these endemic populations.
Sexing
There is no dependable external way to tell males from females, and a lone snail cannot reproduce. Keeping a group raises the chance of having both sexes; the appearance of juveniles confirms a viable pair is present.
Conditioning
Condition adults with consistent water chemistry and continuous access to algae, biofilm and leaf litter rather than seasonal cues. Maintain pristine water with zero ammonia and nitrite and low nitrate, and avoid soft water that would erode the heavy shell of this large species.
- Temperature: 26-30 °C (79-86 °F)
- pH: 7.5-8.5 (alkaline; avoid soft water)
- GH: 6-14 °dGH
- KH: 4-10 °dKH
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
Breeding Setup
A dedicated spawning tank is unnecessary. Reproduce the Sulawesi habitat in a stable display with sand substrate, hiding spots and subdued lighting. The decisive factors are hard, warm, alkaline, well-oxygenated water and very high water quality.
Reproduction & Young
As an ovoviviparous livebearer, Tylomelania develops its young in a uterine brood pouch derived from the pallial oviduct and releases a single fully shelled juvenile at a time. Newborn rabbit snails of some Tylomelania species reach close to 2 cm, ranking among the largest live-born gastropods, and feed independently soon after emerging from their capsule.
Common Challenges
Expect long waits between single births. Soft or fluctuating water damages the shell and halts reproduction, and the large adults need plenty of grazing area. Keep away from loaches, pufferfish and assassin snails, which prey on snails.