You may have encountered Achatina and Archachatina snails if you’re new to aquarium pets. For aquarists, these intriguing species—which are sometimes confused for one another—offer special charms and difficulties. You can give them the best care and build a flourishing environment for them if you are aware of their differences.
Giant land snails belong to the genera Achatina and Archachatina, and although they have certain characteristics in common, they also differ. In contrast, Achatina snails, also referred to as the Giant African Land Snail or Achatina fulica, are smaller. Similar to the Archachatina marginata, archachatina snails are typically larger and have more pronounced physical features.
Taking care of these snails means paying attention to their unique requirements. Achatina snails prefer a warmer, more humid environment and can survive in an enclosure that is slightly smaller. Archachatina snails, on the other hand, require a bit cooler environment and a bigger area. While they both benefit from a diet high in fresh produce, the way their habitats are set up and maintained can vary greatly.
You can provide your snails with a more cozy and wholesome habitat by becoming knowledgeable about these variations and subtleties. Choosing Achatina or Archachatina, your shelled friends will live longer and happier lives if you are aware of their special needs.
| Topic | Achatina vs. Archachatina |
| General Overview | Achatina and Archachatina are both types of giant land snails, but they come from different regions and have some distinct features. |
| Size | Achatina snails are generally smaller, with shells reaching up to 8 inches in length. Archachatina snails are larger, with shells that can grow up to 12 inches long. |
| Shell Shape | Achatina shells are more elongated and have a more rounded shape, while Archachatina shells tend to be more cylindrical and often have a more pronounced spire. |
| Habitat | Achatina snails are native to East Africa and prefer a more humid environment. Archachatina snails are also from Africa but are typically found in different regions and can tolerate slightly different conditions. |
| Care Requirements | Both types need high humidity and a warm environment. However, Archachatina snails may require a bit more space due to their larger size. Regular misting and a suitable substrate are essential for both. |
| Feeding | Both Achatina and Archachatina snails are herbivores, enjoying a diet of vegetables, fruits, and specially formulated snail food. They need a calcium source to maintain their shell health. |
| Breeding | Both types of snails are hermaphrodites, meaning each snail has both male and female reproductive organs. They can lay dozens of eggs at a time, which need to be kept in a moist environment to hatch. |
| Common Issues | Both Achatina and Archachatina can suffer from shell damage if their habitat is not properly maintained. They may also be prone to parasites if not kept in clean conditions. |
- How to distinguish
- Apex
- Tip of the leg
- Body structure
- Columella
- Behavior
- Reproduction
- Conditions of maintenance
- 1 climatic type
- 2 climatic type
- 3 climatic type
- Joint maintenance
- Video on the topic
- How to distinguish Achatina from Archachatina. Achatina and Archachatina snails
- Differences between giant Achatina snails (lat. Achatina) from Archachatina (Archachatina marginata)
- What is the difference between Achatina and Archachatina | The difference between the behavior of my snails
- Achatina and Archachatina snails. What is the difference, nutrition, care and maintenance.
How to distinguish
- Apex;
- Tip of the leg;
- Body structure;
- Columella;
- Behavior;
- Size and number of eggs.
Apex
One of the key characteristics that sets the genera Archachatina and Achatina apart is the apex, or tip, of the shell. The tip of the apex of Achatina is pointed, whereas the tip of Archachatina is more rounded. Furthermore, the species or subspecies of the gastropod can be identified by the color of the apex.
Tip of the leg
The term "crocodile" refers to any species in the genus Archachatina that has a V-shaped tip to its leg with a distinctive groove. If you wet your finger and run it along the snail’s tail, you can easily feel this groove.
Except for the tiger species Achatina achatina, members of the genus Achatina lack this characteristic; however, the tiger Achatina can be distinguished from other members of the genus by a variety of other characteristics. The Achatina may appear to have a slight groove at the tip of its tail at times. However, this is just a color shift, and the leg is level throughout.
Body structure
What other differences exist between Achatina and Archachatina? The soft body’s structure is another indicator that an organism belongs to one of these genera. Examine the mollusk’s leg with great care. Achatina’s skin is smooth, soft, and broken up into big sections. Archachatina has hard skin that is rough to the touch and is separated into tiny protruding cells.
Columella
Generally speaking, the columella’s color can be used to identify the species (or subspecies) that the snail is in. To do this, carefully move the mantle while holding the gastropod with its apex pointed downward. A shell’s structure, color, and shape are frequently unique to a single genus. Specifically, species should not be identified only by shell, as species color variations are highly similar.
Behavior
Behavior is another area where the two genera differ from one another. The Achatina snail is highly gregarious, adapts rapidly to changes in its surroundings, and explores its surroundings.
In contrast, the Arhachatina snail moves slowly and could even be considered lazy. Members of this genus are frequently shy.
Reproduction
The distinction also shows up when procreating. At six months of age, achatina reach sexual maturity. An average clutch of achatina can contain 100–300 eggs, each measuring 0.5–0.9 cm.
Arhachatina reach sexual maturity much later, ranging from 1 to 1.5 years. A clutch of these animals can contain up to 20 large, 2 centimeter eggs.
The subspecies of Achatina and Arhachatina will be covered in brief in the following article.
Conditions of maintenance
Different African snail species have different needs in terms of humidity and temperature. Depending on where a specific species is found in its natural habitat. Let’s categorize them into three types of climates.
1 climatic type
- Temperature: 22-23 C, but not lower than 20 c
- Optimal humidity is about 80%, but not less than 70%.
- Substrate: wet (but not waterlogged).
In these circumstances, they feel comfortable:
- Achatina Fulica
- Achatina Fulica Var. Hamillei
- Achatina Fulica Var. Hamilei f. Rodatzii
- Achatina Immaculata Var. Immaculata,
- Achatina Immaculata Var. Panthera
- Achatina albopicta
2 climatic type
- Temperature: 24-26 C, but not lower than 22 c
- Humidity: 80-90%
- Substrate: very humid, you can overlaid
These circumstances are appropriate:
- Achatina Immaculata Var. "Two-Tone"
- Achatina Fulica Var. "White Jade"
- Achatina Reticulata
3 climatic type
- Temperature: 25-29 C, but not lower than 23 c
- Humidity 80-90%
- Substrate: very wet, better waterlogged
Under these circumstances, they reside:
- Achatina Achatina
- All types of Archachatina
Remember that Achatins and Archatins require distinct diets as well!
Joint maintenance
Since variations and subspecies of one species can produce hybrids and cause problems for other animals, cohabitation of different species is only partially possible.
However, there are instances where two subspecies or even distinct genera coexist peacefully, such as:
- Achatina fulica and Achatina reticulata;
- Limicolaria flammea and Caracolus sagemon.
We have shown the compatibility of the various snail species in the table for clarity.
Knowing the distinctions between Achatina and Archachatina snails will help you give these amazing animals the best care possible. Achatina snails are a popular option for novices because they are typically smaller and more prevalent in the aquarium trade. Their diverse range of colors and patterns lends a unique touch to any tank. However, because they are bigger and stronger, Archachatina snails frequently need more room and particular circumstances to survive. They can become the focal point of a well-kept aquarium arrangement due to their amazing size.
It’s crucial to take into account these snails’ habitat requirements when caring for them. Although achatinas are able to adapt to a variety of settings, they still require a moist, well-ventilated area in order to remain healthy. On the other hand, archachatinas require more specialized care, such as a larger enclosure with regulated humidity and temperature. Ensuring that every type has the ideal conditions allows them to flourish and display their distinct traits.
Each variety of snail adds a unique charm to an aquarium; the secret is to understand what each one needs. You can provide the best conditions for your snails to thrive and integrate themselves into your aquatic setup by being aware of the distinctions between Achatina and Archachatina. These snails can make an interesting and lovely addition to your tank if given the proper care.
Giant African land snails belonging to the fascinating genera Achatina and Archachatina each have distinctive traits and maintenance needs. They differ in important ways, such as shell shape, growth rate, and habitat requirements, even though they have some commonalities, such as their size and herbivorous diets. Comprehending these distinctions is essential to giving each variety the best care possible, enabling enthusiasts to provide their snails with the perfect habitat and to enjoy their unique characteristics. These distinctions will be discussed in this article along with useful maintenance advice for both Achatina and Archachatina snails.
