So when keeping these snails, its a good idea to keep filter intakes covered with a course sponge filter for safety. Finally, its a good idea to make sure snails are added to a tank with the aperture facing down. This way, they do not have to turn over to start moving about the tank.
Shell colors can be solid or have different colors within the range, and its not uncommon for shells to have large areas of white on the spire close to the apex. Texture is relatively smooth compared to the texture of some other snails like Rabbit Snails. Water Parameters: A Japanese Trapdoor Snail is adaptable to a wide range of water conditions , so keeping them in a tank with traditional community tank parameters should not be a problem.
That said, its important to add the snails to a stable, cycled, established tank that is otherwise healthy. Though hardy, sudden shifts in water parameters can stress the snails and cause them harm. So the key is to try to keep things on an even keel. Aquarium pH: 7. Its necessary to keep Ammonia and Nitrite levels at 0 ppm, and Nitrate levels low with regular partial water changes. Also, Japanese Trapdoor Snails should not be exposed to Copper as it can be fatal to them. And be sure to check any plant fertilizers used to ensure they are shrimp and snail safe.
The older the snail, the larger it should be, all things equal. Another interesting thing about Japanese Trapdoor Snails is their relatively wide aperture, and the fact that they have a large operculum that seals the aperture shut in the event the snail is bothered by a tank mate.
In stores, most Japanese Trapdoor Snails will be between a half inch and one inch long. Some hobbyists have said Japanese Trapdoor Snails can grow to be between two and three inches long. Its also common for Japanese Trapdoor Snails to die soon after being introduced to their new home.
Possible reasons for sudden death can include stress associated with being transported from the store, the shift in water parameters between the display tank and the home tank, or simply the snail itself. So care should be taken to add snails to the tank as gently as possible, giving the snail sufficient opportunity to gradually become accustom to their new water and environment. Dead Snails: Its also not uncommon for Japanese Trapdoor Snails to lay motionless on the tank bottom for long periods of time.
As long as they can stay down far enough from the frozen waters, they will survive but they will go into hibernation. That is why a lot of people use them in ponds. Note : Sometimes snail can get stuck in filter intakes. To prevent any injuries, cover it with a sponge pre-filter for safety. Tip : If you keep Japanese trapdoor snails in outdoor ponds, be wary! Raccoons love them! Important: Like shrimp, snails are very sensitive to copper, so watch out for copper if you use tap water or Fertilizers in your tank.
Do not forget to acclimate Japanese trapdoor snails before putting in your tank. When it comes to owning snails in a tank, many people have a tendency to worry about crowding or overpopulation. After all, snails do breed. With that being said, Japanese trapdoor snails are likely not going to lead some kind of army in your tank. In fact, these little guys are likely to do a fairly decent job of keeping their reproduction in check to some extent.
Japanese trapdoor snails do not produce offspring in the first year of life. Juveniles usually appear when the females attain the age of 18 months old. You can see it in the picture. Ovoviviparity provides protection for the developing young.
They are enveloped by the egg capsule, which breaks before birth. The female gives birth to live babes with fully developed shells. Baby snails are typically between BB-sized and pea-sized. In the wild, Japanese trapdoor snails do give live birth 2 times a year. However, in captivity, they can do it every few weeks or so. Tip : Keep in mind that Japanese trapdoor females can store the semen until they are ready for another batch.
Japanese trapdoor snail is a completely peaceful creature, and therefore safe to keep with fish or shrimp. It has no way to defend itself other than retreating and sealing itself into its own shell.
Japanese trapdoor snails tankmates should include other calm and peaceful community tank fish for example, Pygmy Cory Catfish and Otocinclus Catfish , read more about community tank here. Japanese trapdoor snails tank mates should not be aggressive fish like cichlids, goldfish, or other fish that can do harm to a defenseless snail. Assassin Snails and Marisa cornuarietis will not be good neighbors. The first ones can harass Japanese trapdoor snails. The second ones will eat all the plants in the tank.
I would not advise keeping them with crayfish or crabs except Thai Micro crab as well. For example, even Dwarf Mexican Crayfish , the safest out of all crayfish species, can nip off the antennae of larger snails. Japanese trapdoor snails are an ideal member of any clean up crew. They will not eat your aquatic plants.
They do not reproduce quickly and have far fewer offspring, so it is easier to keep their numbers under control. These exciting little snails are beautiful to look at and pretty hardy. All these qualities make Japanese trapdoor snails a wonderful addition to any tank. Japanese trapdoor snails — link to check the price on Amazon. Good blog you have got here.. I honestly appreciate people like you!
Take care!! Hi, Thank you very much. I do appreciate your kind words! I am just trying to share what I know. Best regards, Michael. Hi Michael, Thank you for the excellent information. They will spend hours on end scouring your tank for uneaten food as well as other edible material. Secondly, where is the trapdoor on a snail? The trap door is at the bottom of the shell. However, a dead snail will fall out of its shell.
Japanese Trapdoor Snails are named for their operculum, which is a tough plate that protects the snail by forming a seal at the edge of the snail's shell when its soft body is retracted inside. They are also known by the name Chinese Mystery Snails. Pond snails are helpful in keeping algae under control in your pond as they groom your plant containers, rocks, liner sides and plants.
Trapdoor snails will consume excess fish food, fish waste and decaying leaves from the bottom of the pond. Japanese Trapdoor Snails are live-bearing and only breed twice a year. Gastropods are single-shelled animals, like snails , that live both on land and in the sea.
Japanese food includes many marine gastropods, but stays away from land snails. Abalone awabi , top shells sazae and several kinds of whelk bai or hora are among the most commonly eaten.
Trapdoors are non-hermaphroditic, live-bearers and thus breed more slowly than other snails. That means that each trapdoor snail is either a male or a female. Females give birth to from about 6 to 20 babies at a time. They will spend hours moving about the tank looking for food to eat.
But while they will help keep a tank clean by eating leftovers, their diets should include food specifically for them. Always make sure that your aquariums are not overstocked, are well filtered , and oxygenated.
Water parameters for the trapdoor snail are a bit flexible. They are hardy and can survive various water conditions. To be on the safe side, try maintaining the following parameters:. To buy healthy Japanese Trapdoor Snails, make sure that there are no cracks or holes in the shell. The snail should be stuck to hard surfaces or crawling on the tank bottom. There should be two eyes and tentacles. The operculum should be visible above their foot, near their backside.
Do not buy snails that are motionless or upside down. Do not buy snails that are floating near the surface. These are signs that the snail is sick, dying, or already dead. Japanese trapdoor snails are illegal in some states and considered invasive in some areas. Always check with your local state laws and guidelines before collecting them.
Japanese Trapdoor Snails are live bearers, so they do not lay hard eggs on surfaces.
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