How to Get the Snail Out of a Tiger Cowrie Shell

Though the top of its shiny, spotted shell gives the Tiger Cowrie snail an inviting appearance, the Indio-Pacific native mollusk also sports tiny nail-sharp spikes meant to keep predators at bay. Like turtles, snails do not shed their shells but retreat inside them for protection. Getting the 3-inch creature to poke its head out can involve methods from enticement to intimidation. You may find one tactic successful, or you may need to combine strategies to get the snail out of its shell. Because the Tiger Cowrie is a nocturnal species, you may find it more amenable to movement with the lights off in the aquarium.

Things You'll Need

  • Snail food
  • Heat mat
  • Pin
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the snail̵7;s preferred food just outside its hiding place in the aquarium. Tiger Cowrie snails are carnivorous gastropods that feed at night on soft coral, sea urchins and sponges. The species may also respond to tiny pieces of fish and mussel placed near its shell.

    • 2

      Hold the snail under a faucet and run warm, but not hot, water on it. The heat may induce the Tiger Cowrie to emerge out of its shell.

    • 3

      Put a heat mat under the tank. The constant source of warmth could draw the snail̵7;s head from the shell to feed.

    • 4

      Poke the snail̵7;s shell with a pin. The shock could cause it to poke its head out.