Rabbit Snail (Tylomelania spp.)

Overview

Rabbit snails are large, freshwater gastropods native to Sulawesi, Indonesia, particularly ancient lake systems such as Lake Poso and the Malili lakes. They are named for their long, rabbit-like antennae and slow, deliberate movement.

• Scientific genus: Tylomelania

• Common name: Rabbit Snail

• Family: Pachychilidae

• Lifespan: 3–5 years (often longer with excellent care)

Physical Characteristics

• Size: 2–5 inches (5–12 cm), depending on species

• Shell: Long, conical, often textured or spiked

• Coloration:

  • Shells: brown, black, yellow, orange, or patterned

  • Body: yellow, orange, cream, black, or spotted

• Antennae: Long and flexible, resembling rabbit ears (distinctive trait)

There are many localized variants, often marketed by color or shell pattern rather than scientific species name.

Natural Habitat

• Warm, alkaline freshwater lakes

• Rocky and sandy substrates

• Stable water chemistry with minimal seasonal fluctuation

These ancient lakes are low in nutrients but rich in minerals, influencing the snail’s slow growth and thick shell.

Behavior and Temperament

• Very peaceful and non-aggressive

• Slow-moving, methodical grazers

• Primarily active during daylight hours

• Safe with fish, shrimp, and plants

Rabbit snails are solitary but tolerate others of their kind well.

Diet

Rabbit snails are omnivorous detritivores.

In Aquariums, they eat:

• Algae (limited but consistent grazing)

• Biofilm

• Uneaten fish food

• Sinking pellets or wafers

• Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber)

• Occasional protein (shrimp pellets, fish food)

Calcium is essential for shell health—supplement via cuttlebone, mineral blocks, or calcium-rich foods.

Aquarium Care Requirements

Tank Size

• Minimum: 20 gallons for one or two

• Larger tanks recommended due to size and bioload

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 76–84°F (24–29°C)

• pH: 7.5–8.5 (alkaline preferred)

• Hardness: Medium to hard (GH/KH important)

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Stable parameters are critical; rabbit snails do poorly in rapidly changing conditions.

Substrate and Décor

• Sand or smooth gravel (preferred)

• Rocks and driftwood for grazing

• Avoid sharp substrates that can damage the foot

• Plants are safe; they do not eat healthy plants

Compatibility

Good tank mates:

• Peaceful community fish

• Shrimp

• Other non-aggressive snails

Avoid:

• Snail-eating fish (loaches, puffers, some cichlids)

• Crayfish and aggressive invertebrates

Reproduction

Rabbit snails are livebearers, which is unusual for snails.

• Produce one fully formed baby at a time

• Gestation can last several weeks

• Reproduction is slow (a few babies per year)

• Babies are relatively large and independent at birth

This makes them unsuitable for rapid population growth and ideal for controlled aquariums.

Common Health Issues

• Shell erosion: Often due to low pH or calcium deficiency

• Inactivity: Can indicate poor water quality or stress

• Cracks or thin shells: Mineral imbalance

Good water quality and calcium supplementation prevent most issues.

Advantages and Drawbacks

Advantages

• Unique appearance

• Peaceful and hardy once established

• Slow reproduction

• Interesting behavior

Drawbacks

• Sensitive to poor water conditions

• Limited algae control compared to smaller snails

• More expensive than common snails

Summary

Rabbit snails are distinctive, slow-growing freshwater snails best suited to stable, warm, alkaline aquariums. They are not beginner snails but are highly rewarding for aquarists willing to maintain proper water chemistry and provide a calcium-rich diet.