Can snails survive out of water?

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maronov

AC Members
Dec 14, 2006
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New York, NY
I have some Ramshorn snails in my tank, most of which hang out among my plants. The population is small and I enjoy that natural look it brings to the aquarium. Anyways, I have to make some changes in my tank which will require removing the plants for ~15 minutes. Will this kill the snails or can they survive without being underwater?
 

webcricket

(So chill.) No wonder it's freezing
Mar 22, 2006
1,481
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Syracuse, NY
They should be okay for that period of time, they'll just retract back into the shell a bit to preserve moisture.
 

fishcatch22

The Picotoper
Jun 13, 2006
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Morris, Illinois
yeah, they'll be fine.
 

jeffs99dime

"YOU'RE GONNA WANT THAT COWBELL!!!"
Oct 29, 2006
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NEW JERSEY
i had a apple snail that found his way out of one of my old tanks that was on the floor for atleast 2 hours and survived! i think you will be fine
 

TipStylez

XCELMotorsports.com
Jun 3, 2005
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Seattle WA
Do snails even breath? Guessing the major thing to worry about is keeping their skin wet, but they have slime.
 

NeonFlux

Water agent
Oct 16, 2005
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jeffs99dime said:
i had a apple snail that found his way out of one of my old tanks that was on the floor for atleast 2 hours and survived! i think you will be fine
Wow thats amazing. 2 hours!!! x_x
 

fishcatch22

The Picotoper
Jun 13, 2006
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NeonFlux said:
Wow thats amazing. 2 hours!!! x_x
in their natural environment, apple snails must survive for weeks in damp mud during the dry season, and can live for a week or two out of water in the home, depending on species.
 

jeffs99dime

"YOU'RE GONNA WANT THAT COWBELL!!!"
Oct 29, 2006
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NEW JERSEY
NeonFlux said:
Wow thats amazing. 2 hours!!! x_x
yeah, i was pretty amazed
 

jeffs99dime

"YOU'RE GONNA WANT THAT COWBELL!!!"
Oct 29, 2006
104
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NEW JERSEY
fishcatch22 said:
in their natural environment, apple snails must survive for weeks in damp mud during the dry season, and can live for a week or two out of water in the home, depending on species.
i did not know that when it happened. later on i found out. thanks though
 
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