Hi, I've had an apple snail for about 3-4 years... he's been through alot... from moving cross-country and having his glass jar dropped on the sidewalk, to my cat scooping him out and playing with him on the floor! Anyway, after the move about 6 months ago, I've noticed his shell started deteriorating... it is in bad shape.. although the tissue underneath seems calcified. Well, we recently started up our 25 gallon with some dwarf gouramis and decided to add him in... within minutes, one of my flame gouramis bit his antenna off!! So, I moved Gary (the snail) back to the 10 gallon on his own. Now, he seems kinda freaked... comes out to eat and then hides again... been floating alot lately - much more than usual... I know this sounds strange... but he seems miserable! How long do snails live? Should I put him out of his misery - I've heard that putting them in the freezer is the most humane way??!! I've also noticed that I have 5 baby snails in my 25 gallon - I assume came off my plants... but the gouramis aren't even touching them!! Need advice please.
How long do snails live? Should I end it??
- Thread starter fishynewbie
- Start date
Shell deterioration is caused by soft and/or acidic water. Adding some crushed coral or other shells to the tank will prevent that. No clue on the lifespan, but the antennae will grow back if the snail lives long enough.
He's probably upset over losing an antennae. Give him some time (in peace) to recover. Keep the lights out and make sure he eats a bit. Other than keeping his water clean, leave him alone.
I agree on adding crushed coral. It will raise the pH, making it easier for your snail to maintain his shell. I would not try to keep him with the gourami, as he will probably be very unhappy there if they're trying to munch on him. The coral (while it may not hurt them) will not benefit the gouramis anyway.
I don't know the lifespan on apple snails. You could try applesnail.net (I'm sure the info is there somewhere - it has every bit of snail info you could ask for). I do know that higher temps mean a shorter life.
I think the most humane method of putting our aquatic friends (fish and inverts alike) out of their misery is alcohol. It kills much faster than freezing, and I suspect numbs them from pain. I would not recommend doing this, as he could very well recover.
I agree on adding crushed coral. It will raise the pH, making it easier for your snail to maintain his shell. I would not try to keep him with the gourami, as he will probably be very unhappy there if they're trying to munch on him. The coral (while it may not hurt them) will not benefit the gouramis anyway.
I don't know the lifespan on apple snails. You could try applesnail.net (I'm sure the info is there somewhere - it has every bit of snail info you could ask for). I do know that higher temps mean a shorter life.
I think the most humane method of putting our aquatic friends (fish and inverts alike) out of their misery is alcohol. It kills much faster than freezing, and I suspect numbs them from pain. I would not recommend doing this, as he could very well recover.
Thanks for the info... I will definately not be putting him back in the big tank! I will put him in our spare bedroom with the door closed...he'll get peace and quiet in there. Is the shell deterioration painful? I don't want to "put him down" but also don't believe in letting an animal who can't be helped suffer either.. I will check out the site you suggested for more info. Thanks again.