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Snails: Snails belong to one of the largest classes of organisms,
with more than 40,000 recognized species. They are found in most aquatic environments, but those families of importance to the aquarium hobby,
the Haliotidae, Littorinidae, and Mesogastopoda, are found in the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean oceans. These snails are found primarily along the reef and reef
rubble, they range from ½ inch to 8 inches in the wild. The design of the shell, the number of whorls, and the height/width ratio of the
shell is the primary method of identification. While the shell itself is the primary means of protection, the snail's ability to adhere to
a surface and its production of noxious compounds also discourages predators.
Snails can be algae eaters (algivores), predators, scavengers, and even parasites. The Cypraea, Littorina, and Haliotis species are primarily algae eaters. The Cowrie, representing one of the larger snails, is more of a nocturnal animal. The Abalone, which possesses a beautiful shell, can usually be found in deeper water and is considered a delicacy. Most aquariums will require at least one snail per two gallons of water to help control algae. Avoid placing them with predatory fish. Some may have their diet supplemented with small pieces of shrimp. Snails are sensitive to high levels of nitrate within the aquarium. All snails require the addition of calcium supplements to the aquarium to maintain their health. Most of the snails diet can be supplemented with dried seaweed, blanched spinach or lettuce and vegetable-based tablet foods. The Nassarius snails will not require a supplemental feeding in well established aquariums, but you may supplement their diet with frozen meaty foods such as brine or mysis shrimp and pieces of fish or scallop. Click on thumbnails for more information.
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