Snail Shells

[DaisyTattoo]

Crazy Snail Shell Growth

Last weekend I purchased 2 "mystery" snails. They are both pretty small, nickel sized I would say. One has a blue shell with a black body and the other has a white shell with a yellow body. I have a couple of questions. Can the shells of snails be dyed or bleached? Since buying them last weekend the white snail has already grown a whole inch of shell! And the shell it has grown is yellow. The color of the new shell as well as the trap door are very similar to my tennis ball sized apple snail. Is there a chance that this is an apple snail? The blue snail has barely grown any new shell at all. Not really even a noticeable amount. By now I am pretty sure they arent the same species but does anyone know what they could be? Thanks yall!

 

[Larissa]

I'm not positive, but I wouldn't think that it would be possible to bleach a snail's shell without killing it. Also, I know that the whole reason why they are called mystery snails is because sometimes they are brigs and sometimes they are canas. Post a picture if you can, and maybe Mighty Queen Pixie will be able to tell you more. She has the most beautiful brigs snails and sadly, I can't afford to buy any from her because the shipping from Canada to Texas is pretty high. I know she has canas as well and she's sort of the forum expert on those type of snails.

 

[DaisyTattoo]

I cant post pics for now but maybe if my bf's little bro comes over next weekend he can take one for me. I will do a search for those and see what i can find. I am just wondering why the one is growing so much faster than the other. Its crazy!!

 

[graphicdesign_r]

Snails shells will grow different colors depending on the amount and concentration of minerals in the water in which they are placed. If the new shell growing is weaker and thinner than the old shell you need to add calcium to your water via crushed coral filter media or even adding old shells to the tank.

It is not feasible to alter the color of the snail's shell while the animal is still alive... unless you can figure out what color certain water conditions produce.

 

[Gena575]

Look at the pointy part of the shell. If it is very defined whorls that almost look like rings placed one on top the other (remember those old baby toys?) it is a brig. If it looks kind of smushed like a cinnamon bun it is a cana. New shell doesn't grow in with color at first. It is laid down in layers and the very last layer to be put down is the color. Is the new shell kind of transparent? It will likely color up for you in a week or so.