How to keep ornamental snails? Detailed guide to breeding methods and precautions

There are many varieties of snails with rich nutritional value. Besides being edible, some with beautiful appearances can also be kept for ornamental purposes. So, how do you keep ornamental snails?

1. Rearing conditions

Any ordinary fish tank of any size will do, but it is best if the water level is above 20 cm and there is a lid, because the mystery snail series - golden snails, purple-clothed snails, purple lily snails, blue crystal, white ivory, green crystal - as adult snails have the habit of laying eggs above the water surface during the breeding season, and occasionally they may fall out and get injured.

2. Water quality and water temperature

Snails like to live in warm conditions. The most suitable temperature is 20-30 degrees, at which they eat a lot and grow quickly. Above 35 degrees the growth rate drops noticeably. The maximum critical water temperature for survival is 45 degrees. Below 15 degrees they are inactive, below 5 degrees they enter dormancy, and below 3 degrees for a long time they die. Ornamental snails like fresh water quality, so regular water changes are needed. The temperature difference between the new water and the old water should be within 3-4°C.

3. Food and feeding

Ornamental snails are omnivorous animals. Various feeds, boiled spinach leaves, cabbage leaves, fresh corn, dead fish, algae on the tank walls, leftover scraps from fish, etc. are all fine. They can be fed 1 to 2 times a day, and it is best if everything is eaten with nothing left over. They can be fed twice, in the early morning and in the evening. The morning feeding amount can account for 30% of the whole day's food intake, and the evening for 70%. When the weather is muggy, the air pressure is low, and the water temperature is very high, the snails' food intake will decrease, and the feeding amount can be reduced at this time. For mystery snails, pay attention to mixing green vegetables and pellet feed. Do not feed only one kind for a long time, and do not change feed frequently.

In general, ornamental snails have fewer diseases during the rearing process. In addition, in a soft-water environment, the shell is prone to dissolving and breaking. You can adjust the hardness of the water and add calcium-containing substances dissolved into the water to improve this.