Mystery Snail with two-tone shell

[VippiN]

Hi all,

I bought a Mystery Snail a few months back, had quite a dark shell. Since then the Snail has grown about another 2CM of shell, gotten quite larger, and the new shell is quite a few shades lighter than what it used to have.

I take it this is from different water conditions and perhaps more/less food available?

Regards,
Rob

 

[hunnysnax]

i think i read that somewhere. just different environment. is the shell thinner or just lighter in colour? if its thinner it might be lacking is something. i'm new to the snail world so i can't help you there but http://www.applesnail.net/ has some good info

 

[Patricia]

New shell is always lighter than the old ... the color will come, faint at first, as the new layers of shell are laid down. I think the fact that you are seeing so much new shell growth is good. Just make sure you offer calcium rich veggies (spinach is a favorite), or calcium-rich supplements (e.g., cuttle bones anchored to rocks) to allow the snail to grow strong layers of shell. I add Kent Marine Calcium, 1cc per gallon, in my tanks with snails. With new hatchlings in 10 gallon tanks, I add it daily with water changes; for juveniles and adults, I add it to the water when I do routine water changes.

 

[VippiN]

Thanks for the words. I've had cuttlebone in there from day one, the snail doesn't seem interested however my BN do. I'm hoping the cuttlebone is adding calcium to the water.

Good to know that nothing is wrong. Thanks!