View Full Version : Please help! My blue mystery snail laid eggs!!
NilsBaees
05-13-2009, 11:56 PM
Okay, here's what happned....
I have two blue mystery snails that I've had for 3 months. They get along very well and mate a lot. They have never laid eggs before. But I know that the maximum that my tank can sustain is two snails. So I didn't lower the water level or do anything fancy with the temperature (it's still 76 degrees) and I didn't change the food, either (I only occasionally feed snail jello). So I thought that since conditions weren't great for breeding (especially the high water level), they wouldn't lay eggs and I wouldn't be faced with the problem of a million little mystery snails that I would love to keep, but am not able to care for.
Yesterday I was tired after track practice and I was going to go to bed. But I fed my fish first, as I always do. However, when I opened the lid, there were these huge pink grub things stuck to the filter box (PICTURE 5)! It shocked me so much I actually dropped the lid and tripped onto the floor. (Pathetic, I know. The only eggs I am used to are ramshorns.) I managed to get back up, trembling, and found myself grinning at the possibility of eggs. And they were. I figured they must have been laid while I was at school that day.
I thought about them all day today at school. And now I have a lot of questions. If anyone possibly knows what to do, I would be SO grateful. I kind of feel like a grandma, actually...haha.
1) Why did the snail lay eggs even though I didn't "prompt" them to by lowering the water line?
2) How did two whole clutches of eggs get laid in 1 day?
3) How did two whole clutches of eggs fit into the snail?
4) I definitely cannot support all of these snails, but I feel so sad at the idea of killing "my" babies. The most I may keep is one or two so I don't have to buy more when the parents die. What do I do with them? (Feed to goldfish?)
5) Can I somehow transport them? Do I need to, while I'm deciding what to do with them?
6) Last night, one of the clutches looked velvety and smooth (PICTURE 1), while the other had a shiny web-ish pattern on it (PICTURE 2). Today, the velvety clutch is starting to have the shiny web pattern (PICTURE 3). Is it some stage of development?
7) The tip of one of the clutches was white and dried out, and the shells were kind of broken-looking...(PICTURE 4)
8) Does anyone want them? How would I ship them?
I'm really sorry for all the questions. I hope you guys understand how I feel about these little eggs, haha.
jackiomy
05-14-2009, 12:56 AM
First off, Very cool pics;
1) Why did the snail lay eggs even though I didn't "prompt" them to by lowering the water line? Snails lay eggs anyway just like chicken do even if they aren't fertile. Just a girl thing. You should drop your waterline though. They have been known to leave the tank looking for a place to lay their eggs.
2) How did two whole clutches of eggs get laid in 1 day? I don't have a clue how they do that.
3) How did two whole clutches of eggs fit into the snail? See question 2. LOL
4) I definitely cannot support all of these snails, but I feel so sad at the idea of killing "my" babies. The most I may keep is one or two so I don't have to buy more when the parents die. What do I do with them? (Feed to goldfish?) i would freeze one of the clutches right away so the babies don't develop. I went through 6 or 7 clutches before any were viable.
5) Can I somehow transport them? Do I need to, while I'm deciding what to do with them? I don't think you can transport them as they need to be kept humid and warm but I am not an expert.
6) Last night, one of the clutches looked velvety and smooth (PICTURE 1), while the other had a shiny web-ish pattern on it (PICTURE 2). Today, the velvety clutch is starting to have the shiny web pattern (PICTURE 3). Is it some stage of development? I never looked that close.
I would imagine so.
7) The tip of one of the clutches was white and dried out, and the shells were kind of broken-looking...(PICTURE 4) They dry out all over eventually, perfectly natural.
8) Does anyone want them? How would I ship them? See question 5.
I am sure someone more experienced than I will have more suggestions. Don't panic. It is all about nature. Have fun with your babies.
BettaFishMommy
05-14-2009, 1:34 AM
i'm not sure if goldfish would eat them. i do know that until the babies reach a decent size, say half an inch, no lfs or petstore will take them (at least in my neck of the woods they don't). do you have fishkeeper friends in your locale that would like some snails in their tanks? you could also feed the itty bitties to most cichlids, i know they like snails!
i agree with jackiomy, freeze one clutch (just put it in a ziploc) and then toss it in the garbage. from my experience breeding apple snails, each clutch can give you ALOT of babies, over 100 most of the time, and your clutches look pretty darn big......
you might try saving just a portion of one clutch by carefully cutting away what you don't want to keep and freezing and tossing. be careful that the part you are keeping does not detach from the tank lid. that way you can control how many snails are allowed to hatch. call it bbc, brigg birth control. lol.
there is a possibility, as jackiomy said, that the eggs might not even be viable and you may not end up with lil snails, but on the off chance they are good eggs, you don't want to be playing connect the dots from 4 to 400......hahahaha.
i don't think a clutch of eggs would travel well, and unless you know what to do about hatching them out if they are no longer in the tank, it wouldn't work, IMO.
i think if they just laid eggs you have a little bit of time to think about options that we've mentioned. they could hatch in a week, might take 4 weeks.
.......then again...... you could set up a snail only tank.........hehehee.
and yes, relax. enjoy your shellkids, lol.
btw, how big is this tank these clutches are in?
1) Why did the snail lay eggs even though I didn't "prompt" them to by lowering the water line?
Snails tend to do that with or without your encouragement. They will find suitable locations if there is no room to lay eggs around.
2) How did two whole clutches of eggs get laid in 1 day?
How can you be sure about this? It may be possible you missed one of the egg clutches. One of your egg clutches showed considerable possibility that it had been there longer than the other with the way the eggs have changed in color.
3) How did two whole clutches of eggs fit into the snail?
Never underestimate the snails. I have canas that lay eggs daily.;)
4) I definitely cannot support all of these snails, but I feel so sad at the idea of killing "my" babies. The most I may keep is one or two so I don't have to buy more when the parents die. What do I do with them? (Feed to goldfish?)
Cut part of the egg clutch that you want to hatch and dispose the rest by crushing or freezing them.
5) Can I somehow transport them? Do I need to, while I'm deciding what to do with them?
Transport them in what manner? As long as they are kept damp, they will hatch assuming the eggs are fertile of course.
6) Last night, one of the clutches looked velvety and smooth (PICTURE 1), while the other had a shiny web-ish pattern on it (PICTURE 2). Today, the velvety clutch is starting to have the shiny web pattern (PICTURE 3). Is it some stage of development?
The eggs were newly laid and fresh. The color changes as time progresses. Once the eggs turn almost white with blue tinge, it may signal the eggs are ready to hatch. Give it five weeks.
7) The tip of one of the clutches was white and dried out, and the shells were kind of broken-looking...(PICTURE 4)
8) Does anyone want them? How would I ship them?
Wrap them in a damp tissue paper and seal them in a container. You can then mail it to another person.
i'm not sure if goldfish would eat them.
It'll depend on the goldfish. Ryukins are known to peck at snails that they notice especially apple snails. I mix my pearlscales and fantails with apple snails with no issues so far though.
BettaFishMommy
05-14-2009, 2:07 AM
still think another tank for just the snails is in order here...... muwahahahaha.....
what can i say? it's the MTS making me do it! lol.
Bubbles2112
05-14-2009, 2:14 AM
OOOOOhhh!! I am all for another tank!!!
Come on now kiddo, you know that your going to get another one anyway so why wait???
Join US!!!!! MUHHhhhhhhhhaaaaaaah! MTS is calling your name!!!!
P.S. Your pictures are very good!!!
BettaFishMommy
05-14-2009, 11:50 AM
As it is, i may have to set up another tank, i woke up just in time this morn to catch one of my blue briggs laying a double clutch. this brings me to 4 clutches, three from blues, one from a jade.
might just have to go into business as a snail vendor for my neck of the woods, lol!
NilsBaees
05-14-2009, 8:23 PM
Thank you everyone for all the help! I never expected all the great responses (especially the cool question-by-question answers). :)
First off, Very cool pics;
Thank you. I have zero picture skill--it's all the camera, haha!
from my experience breeding apple snails, each clutch can give you ALOT of babies, over 100 most of the time, and your clutches look pretty darn big......
call it bbc, brigg birth control. lol.
btw, how big is this tank these clutches are in?
big? uh oh. hahaha bbc!!!! it's a 6 gallon tank. And with my fish, even two snails is already pushing the limit. :(
It'll depend on the goldfish.
They are common feeder goldfish, just...grown up. :)
OOOOOhhh!! I am all for another tank!!! Come on now kiddo, you know that your going to get another one anyway so why wait??? Join US!!!!! MUHHhhhhhhhhaaaaaaah! MTS is calling your name!!!! P.S. Your pictures are very good!!!
Hahahaha! If I had things my way (and not my parents'), I would have SO many tanks. All snail, all shrimp, etc etc etc. :) Makes me happy when I think about it. And thank you! Like i said, it's all the camera ;)
might just have to go into business as a snail vendor for my neck of the woods, lol!
haha! SunshinePuppies actually said he/she wanted them, so if my mom lets me, I might try my hand at shipping. I just hope they turn out ok.
Thanks again, everyone who replied!
If they're one of the single tail varieties, they could be comets or shubunkins. They'll work with snails just fine.
SunshinePuppies
05-14-2009, 10:05 PM
yup.Koi wouldn't be good with them though.
I just got my new 55 gallon up and running last week.gonna test this week, yay!
I'm a "she" by the way.:)
NilsBaees
05-14-2009, 10:17 PM
New pics!! The perfect-looking clutch looks about the same (PICTURE 1). I noticed that the longer clutch looks a little paler (PICTURE 2), and has a little bit of moisture on them (PICTURE 3)! And there are little spots in a few of the eggs (PICTURE 4)!!! Are they BABIES? This is a FERTILE CLUTCH? *heart races*
BettaFishMommy
05-14-2009, 11:33 PM
i can't say i ever paid that close attention to my clutches. if they hatched, great, if not, oh well, more on the way all the time, lol. so i can't tell you if the eggs are 'good' or not, sorry. just wait and see, if no baby snails in 4 to 5 weeks, the eggs are probably bunk.
SunshinePuppies
05-14-2009, 11:36 PM
there could be babies, but they may not hatch for whatever reason. It happens.
But they could also hatch out more than anyone could ever want! lol
BettaFishMommy
05-14-2009, 11:50 PM
there could be babies, but they may not hatch for whatever reason. It happens.
But they could also hatch out more than anyone could ever want! lol
oh, don't remind me........ connect the dots anyone? lol.
there could be babies, but they may not hatch for whatever reason.
There is indeed such tendency which is why you have to monitor the eggs regularly. A gentle swipe on an egg can readily crush the eggshell and reveal a newborn snail there. Underdeveloped eggs will remain harder to the touch.
CichlidWrangler
05-15-2009, 2:18 AM
wait... you have "grown up" goldfish in a 6 gallon tank?
or.. if you have a seperate goldfish tank.. why not add some snails?
SunshinePuppies
05-15-2009, 11:27 AM
I sent shipping payment to her so for better or worse I guess the eggs are coming here.lol
I will let everyone know how they do. If they hatch out, great, if not, no big deal.not too worried-it'll be a learning experience since mine are all young. If they do hatch I may be offering some free babies to people here.:)
NilsBaees
05-16-2009, 2:11 AM
wait... you have "grown up" goldfish in a 6 gallon tank?
or.. if you have a seperate goldfish tank.. why not add some snails?
The goldfish aren't in my tropical tank with the mysteries. Haha, I tried adding snails, but he became depressed and very sluggish (hah ha ha...) becuase my goldfish were always scaring him and bumping into him, so he pretty much didn't come out of his shell. And they ate all the food. Snails are MUCH happier in my tropical tank.
I sent shipping payment to her so for better or worse I guess the eggs are coming here.lol
I will let everyone know how they do. If they hatch out, great, if not, no big deal.not too worried-it'll be a learning experience since mine are all young. If they do hatch I may be offering some free babies to people here.:)
SunshinePuppies!!! I have terrible news (I already told you in my PM). But for everyone else, the light fixture on my hood slipped and smacked right into one of the egg clutches!! (PICTURES 1, 2, 3) Now there is a region where the eggs are crushed, but I hope that the rest of the clutch is unaffected. I am SO sad...I'm never going to forgive myself. On the brighter side, the second clutch is turning a little white (PICTURE 4). But is the hurt one going to be okay?
BettaFishMommy
05-16-2009, 2:24 AM
the clutch that got hit with the light will be fine, you'll just have X number less eggs and X number less snail babies from the area that got hit if the clutch does indeed hatch out.
looks like the other clutch is definitely older. i once had a clutch that looked like it had gone bad (looked all grey and dry and yucky), and a day or two later, babies!
NilsBaees
05-16-2009, 2:28 AM
the clutch that got hit with the light will be fine, you'll just have X number less eggs and X number less snail babies from the area that got hit if the clutch does indeed hatch out.
looks like the other clutch is definitely older. i once had a clutch that looked like it had gone bad (looked all grey and dry and yucky), and a day or two later, babies!
oh, okay. I'm still really really sorry though...:(
How much longer do you think the "older" clutch can last? I think the fastest SunshinePuppies will receive it is about a week, maybe a little more?
BettaFishMommy
05-16-2009, 2:36 AM
and you are not sure when the older one was laid, right? i would send Sunshine the newer of the two clutches, since that one has more time til hatching by the looks of it. if it is a for sure that you are sending the older one, there is a chance that it will hatch out in the mail. not sure how you would plan your shipping for that occurrence though.
NilsBaees
05-16-2009, 1:34 PM
Yeah, I have no idea. I'll just send her both ASAP; I really don't have the space for a clutch to hatch (much as I wish I did) and I don't want to kill them. Next up in line for any post-SAT clutches is phreeflow
BettaFishMommy
05-17-2009, 11:11 AM
there will be times that you will get clutches and you may not have the option of shipping the clutch off to somebody. don't feel bad about freezing and tossing a clutch.
NilsBaees
05-17-2009, 4:25 PM
OH NO OH NO OH NO OH NO
PLEASE HELP
THE OLDER CLUTCH
IT HATCHED
OH NO
BABIES ARE EVERYWHERE
WAHT DO I DO
UPLOADING PICS ASAP
trying to get babies out now
HELP
AUGH
SHOOT
msjinkzd
05-17-2009, 5:05 PM
I doubt newly hatched babies would survive shipping, to be perfectly honest. I would ship off that other clatch asap and plan on raising these to at least pea-sized before shipping. ITs really in the snails' best interests if you crush or freeze clutches if you don't have the space to raise them. Its part of being a responsible snail owner. I hatch out maybe 1/10th of the clutches that get laid.
snoopy65
05-17-2009, 5:23 PM
Please either separate your male and female snails and/ or freeze your clutches. It is our responsibility to provide for the lives we bring into this world and if you do not have the space or resources to take care of them it is better to do away with the clutches than have the babies in less than proper conditions, it isn't fair to the snails.
NilsBaees
05-17-2009, 5:25 PM
I doubt newly hatched babies would survive shipping, to be perfectly honest. I would ship off that other clatch asap and plan on raising these to at least pea-sized before shipping. ITs really in the snails' best interests if you crush or freeze clutches if you don't have the space to raise them. Its part of being a responsible snail owner. I hatch out maybe 1/10th of the clutches that get laid.
Thanks. I will wait until they are pea sized. I didn't discover this clutch until I found my newer one, so I thought I could ship both of them because I thought they were the same age.
Here are some pictures. I have crushed some invertebrate pellets into a powder and sprinkled a bit in.However, a large group of babies has crowded up and some are above the water line. What should I know about raising them until they are pea-sized? (temp, water, food) Thanks everyone!
EDIT: Why are they all going up to the top in groups?
DarrylR
05-17-2009, 5:57 PM
That's a lotsa babies!
NilsBaees
05-17-2009, 6:29 PM
Please either separate your male and female snails and/ or freeze your clutches. It is our responsibility to provide for the lives we bring into this world and if you do not have the space or resources to take care of them it is better to do away with the clutches than have the babies in less than proper conditions, it isn't fair to the snails.
I had not discovered this clutch because my snails have never laid before. I only discovered the eggs after another clutch appeared in a much more prominent spot, and I was searching to see if there were any more. I am shipping them out to SunshinePuppies ASAP, but I thought the two clutches were laid at the same time. I will wait until the babies are pea-sized and send them out to her as a second shipment. I apologize for my lack of knowledge on the topic. :(
snoopy65
05-17-2009, 6:30 PM
We all start at the beginning, it isn't your fault you didn't know.
SunshinePuppies
05-17-2009, 7:12 PM
nope, it's not your fault you didn't know. don't worry about it, no one here is judging you. I love this place because of that!
the pictures are nice. they're sure cute!
NilsBaees
05-17-2009, 7:13 PM
AREN'T THEY CUTE? You can see their eyes! :) :) :)
bettabrat
05-17-2009, 7:21 PM
OMG look at all those cuties! :hearts:
msjinkzd
05-17-2009, 7:30 PM
You don't have to feed them any differently, they will eat anything the adults would just feed sparingly and keep the tank very very clean. Are you going to be keeping them in that holding pitcher? If so, try and pick up at least an air stone and air pump and plan on doing daily water changes. I typically feed my babies twice a day and do daily 50% water changes. Keeping the water quality pristine is imperative to their survival. Best of luck and holler if you have any questions.
NilsBaees
05-17-2009, 7:44 PM
okay, I will be sure to do daily water changes. I don't have another airline, unfortunately.
one more question:
why are they all crowding at the water line? is this okay?
erinw621
05-17-2009, 7:49 PM
Perhaps I need to look into getting snails now! They are quite cute, good luck!
msjinkzd
05-17-2009, 7:52 PM
Its pretty typical really for the first day. Without surface agitation, there is less dissolved oxygen in the water. That container will only be big enough for about a week or two. Can you possibly pick up a large rubbermaid container (storage bin)? They make them in pretty big sizes and the increased volume would really make your job, and their health much easier. I might have an extra small airpump and line I can send you, pm me tomorrow afternoon (after I am done shipping, lol) and I will dig around and see. If you can come up with $5 for shipping, its yours.
NilsBaees
05-17-2009, 8:02 PM
yes, I will have a large container. I need to wash it first, though. thanks so much!!
BettaFishMommy
05-17-2009, 8:58 PM
when you go to wash the larger container, as long as it has not had anything in it that is possibly detrimental to the snails, the container will simply need a good hot rinse. don't wash it with soap, as any residue will be harmful to the snails. a brand new medium to large size rubbermaid bin that you would find at walmart or some such store would be perfect, and you could use it as a spare quarentine or hospital tank once the babies have grown and moved on.
snails will go to the water line to breathe with their lung organ when the water is crappy for any reason (ammonia, nitrite, or depleted oxygen in the water). my briggs are what keep me on top of my water change schedule, as they tend to hang out near the surface more often the day or so prior to me doing a water change.
those are gorgeous babies, with the spots on them they look like 101 dalmations, lol.
as for food, like msjinkz said, just give them exactly what the adult snails eat, just in smaller quantities and more frequently. you don't need to crush or grind up any food. i feed my adult snails once every two days and my babies once or twice a day.
the babies will fare better in a filtered environment. any way you might put a spare hob or sponge filter on the larger container they will be in? if you go with a hob, make sure to put a sponge or netting on the intake tube to ensure the babies don't go for an impeller ride into the filter.
msjinkzd
05-17-2009, 9:05 PM
i might even have an HOB I can send you, but I cannot attest to its condition, lol
SunshinePuppies
05-17-2009, 9:47 PM
They are so cute! I love the little eyes.:)
It's funny. They were born today, and today is also my husband's birthday.lol
If I had an extra airline and pump I'd send it to you since these little guys will be coming to live with me eventually. But, unfortunately I don't have an extra one-all of mine are being used.:(
NilsBaees
05-18-2009, 8:23 PM
hi all! today i transported them from the betta cup to a small (but larger than the cup) plastic tank. for now, I have taken the airline from my main tank and put it inside.
strangely, they are all crowding in a corner....
NilsBaees
05-18-2009, 9:09 PM
theyre all crammed into the bottom corner! is this bad? :(
msjinkzd
05-19-2009, 9:04 AM
no, they just do that, lol. they all hang out.
SunshinePuppies
05-19-2009, 4:05 PM
oh, and don't be surprised if some don't make it.
kayla25690
06-30-2009, 2:47 AM
Any updates on the beauties???
ProAquatics
06-30-2009, 2:50 AM
congrats!!!
DarrylR
07-11-2009, 9:11 PM
Just wondering ever since you noticed the clutches, did you leave the light on every day and how long?
NilsBaees
07-14-2009, 7:19 PM
Yeah, I had a timer for 12 hours a day.
RodInCALIFORNIA
07-15-2009, 3:45 AM
one day soon you will be like me 13 aquariums just will baby snails in various sizes im lucky to always find homes for them but to be honest im getting burned out on snails with this many and i think i am going to stop hatching every single clutch thats laid. but i do like picking out the gold, white, jade ones for my own personal tanks i dont get many of them colors from my hatchings, i get mostly purple, blue.