Black Mystery Snail Care

Some animal lovers are fascinated with the aquatic world and prefer keeping turtles and snails over dogs and cats. Mystery snails are an important addition to an aquarium because they help maintain cleanliness by consuming excess food in the tank. Mystery snails come in a variety of colors, such as golden and purple, but commonly appear to be black.

  1. Food Requirements

    • In their natural habitat, black mystery snails generally consume algae and plant leaves, but when kept in tanks, their eating habits can vary. Although black mystery snails housed in aquariums do feed on decaying aquarium plants, they often prefer fish food. Being an omnivorous species, black mystery snails also eat vegetables, such as lettuce, cucumber, carrot, green peas and green beans. Black mystery snails can also eat dead fish, insects and brine shrimp.

    Water Conditions

    • A member of the Apple snail family, the black mystery snail is a born snorkeler. A stretchable air tube facilitates the breathing of oxygen by mystery snails from the surface of the water. When keeping mystery snails in captivity, especially the black mystery snail, it is important to leave a minimum gap of 2 inches between the lid of the tank and the level of water within, or the animal may die of suffocation. The optimum range of pH is 12 to 16, and and temperature should stay between 68 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Use de-chlorinator to remove chlorine from the water.

    Suitable Tank-mates

    • Although mystery snails are not very choosy about their company, there are some animals that could pose danger to their survival or could be at threat from mystery snails themselves. Keep fish eggs out of reach from mystery snails. While predators like clown loaches, cichlids and puffers are bad company for snails, nippy fish can also prove dangerous for mystery snails as they are known to chew the snails' tentacles and eyestalks.

    Reproduction

    • To facilitate breeding, reduce the level of water by 3 to 5 inches. Snails lay eggs above the water line. The egg mass resembles pink froth and is equivalent to the size of the human little finger. The hatching process takes about two to three weeks and requires humid conditions. Keep the babies away from adult mystery snails for healthy growth prospects.