Black Rabbit Snail care guide
Black Rabbit Snail (Tylomelania patriarchalis) — minimum tank 80 L, temperature 26-30 °C, pH 7.5-8.5.
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.