A potentially silly question about snails

[mandimoron]

Just this weekend I acquired a handful of little brigs, courtesy of one MQP. I think they're really neat little dudes! They're always out and about, and the smaller ones seem to enjoy playing King of the Castle on the biggest snail: they crawl on to his back and try and knock each other off-- a game made all the more amusing because it all happens in slow motion. When the snails aren't piling on top of each other, they like to go for leisurely walks (or perhaps, slimes? ) along the tank walls. At first I was delighted to see them being so active, but I've noticed that they frequently climb up above the water line and hang out there for a few minutes before letting go of the wall and diving back in. Is that normal snaily behaviour? I hope they're not making feeble attempts at suicide or something stupid!

 

[rosita]

Well, my only snail knowledge comes from a few months' observation of my mystery snail. I have found that he will often be at the waterline of my 10g, and just leap for it (in slow motion, of course!!) The first couple of times I kinda worried, but as he continued the behavior we all just watched!! I think maybe it's just the rush they're going for, or they're just lazy. Don't think it's snailicide. They seem to be pretty tough!!! That's my 2 cents worth!
:dance2:

 

[mandimoron]

They really do seem to enjoy doing it! I swear they try to land on each other sometimes, though. They wait until someone is underneath them, and then, with a mighty cry of "BANZAI!" drop on them! Or at least that's how I picture it. >_>

Anyway, it's not so much the way they recklessly fling themselves off the glass that worries me as their adventures out of the water. I keep trying to tell them that they're aquatic and that means they belong under the water, but they don't listen very well. *pout*

(My mom thinks I imbue my pets with far too much personality. Maybe she's right. Hah.)

 

[rosita]

LOL I'm guilty of anthropomorphizing ALL my "animals"--they're my kids!! I've noticed Turbo hangs out around the top sometimes, too--maybe it's their version of going to the spa!! Or just a little different sump-hn sump-hn. You know, change up the environment!! Yah, and when he aims for one of the dwarf gourami and gets him---waahaahaaa. Poor thing doesn't know what to do! I can just see him, po'd, looking at that snail and thinking, man, I can't do a thing to him--tried nibbling parts when he's asleep but the bugger hides it all! Can't knock him around like the runt cuz he's too big!! Ratss!! :rant2: