There are a lot of interesting animals in the hobby of keeping aquariums, and each one adds something special to the underwater environment. The Thiara cancellata, also referred to as the hairy snail, is one of these that stands out for its interesting look and usefulness in keeping an aquarium environment in good condition.
This little snail is more than just a pretty addition to your tank; its spiral shell is covered in tiny, hair-like structures. By consuming algae, leftover food, and other organic matter, it plays a vital part in keeping your aquarium clean by preventing the accumulation of waste.
Knowing the behavior, maintenance needs, and advantages of keeping a Thiara cancellata in your aquarium can improve your experience and support a healthy aquatic ecosystem, regardless of your level of experience.
Feature | Description |
Common Name | Hairy snail |
Scientific Name | Thiara cancellata |
Size | Up to 3 cm |
Habitat | Freshwater, mainly rivers and streams |
Diet | Algae, detritus, and small organic matter |
Behavior | Peaceful, good for community tanks |
Care Level | Easy, suitable for beginners |
Breeding | Live-bearing, reproduces easily in aquariums |
- Appearance
- Habitat
- Snail in an aquarium
- Maintenance requirements
- Feeding
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Appearance
These gastropods have a peculiar appearance because they have tiny, flexible needles scattered throughout their shell. Furthermore, despite their appearance as sharp objects, these needles are not weapons. Others are not in danger from the hairs on the shell because they are so delicate and fragile. A mature hairy snail’s maximum length is only 2.5–3 cm. This kind of mollusk has a spirally-twisted, rounded shell. The shell’s color can range from yellow to cream to brown, with thin, dark-colored grooves dividing each spiral. people of various genders.
Habitat
Fresh and brackish water bodies on the Philippine island of Bohol are Thiara cancellata’s natural habitat. The hairy snail inhabits river estuaries that are subject to tidal fluctuations and shallow river waters that range in depth from one to three meters.
Snail in an aquarium
Tiara snails are active at night, going in search of food. During the day they rest, buried in a soft substrate, so if you want to settle these mollusks in your aquarium, then put a layer of sand on its bottom, which will protect the fragile spines of the periostracum. Hairy snails are perfect for an aquarium with various inhabitants, but without predatory fish – large cichlids, loaches, tetraodons, etc.d. As a rule, these mollusks are completely safe for aquarium plants, as they prefer to absorb dead or decaying vegetation. Only in case of food shortage, these snails will begin to eat healthy plants. Other inhabitants of the aquarium should be just as peaceful and have the same requirements for maintenance. These can be small tetras, rainbow fish, honey gourami, guppies, Neocardina shrimp.
Maintenance requirements
The aquarium in which you plan to keep Thiara cancellata should be planted with vegetation. Its bottom should be covered with sand or fine-grained substrate so that the snails can burrow into it without damaging their hairs. The water should be moderately hard with a pH of 7.2-8.2 to ensure normal development of the snail shell. In softer water, with a lower concentration of calcium, the shell of a hairy snail will deteriorate. The water temperature in the aquarium should be at the level of 22-26 °. Pour a little less water into the aquarium than usual, leaving a gap the size of the largest snail so that the triars can get out of the water if they want. But at the same time, make sure that the lid on the aquarium is tightly closed, and there are no small cracks, because these snails are very good at escaping.
Ensure that the aquarium’s water is thoroughly filtered, changed on a regular basis, and cleaned at the same time as the substrate, which is where leftover food and snail waste should be removed. As hairy snails prefer environments with a moderate current for their natural habitat, make sure the aquarium has sections with adequate water flow.
Feeding
- spirulina,
- algae wafers,
- granules,
- pieces of vegetables,
- and sometimes small pieces of meat.
Some aquarists grow algae on pebbles and stones in a different aquarium or jar (usually on a windowsill), and then they transfer the algae and the stones to the aquarium with the snails, replacing the original stones with ones that the snails have cleaned. As a result, there is a steady supply of organic green food because the tiaras remove plaque from the surfaces of rocks and plants.
The hairy snail, or Thiara cancellata, is a distinctive and fascinating addition to any aquarium. Aquarists commonly choose it because of its unique shell and capacity to keep a clean tank. By eating algae and leftover food, this tiny but devoted snail not only gives visual interest to your aquatic environment but also contributes significantly to its overall health.
It’s crucial to provide a suitable habitat for Thiara cancellata, complete with clean water, appropriate pH levels, and hiding places. Because they require little upkeep, these snails are perfect for novice and expert aquarium keepers alike. They can proliferate quickly in the right circumstances, so it’s important to keep an eye on their population.
All things considered, the Thiara cancellata is a lovely and useful species that can improve the harmony and aesthetics of your aquarium. Understanding their requirements and habits will help you make sure they flourish in your tank and improve the aquatic environment.
With its characteristic shell and effective algae-eating habits, the Aquarium hairy snail, Thiara cancellata, is a unique and advantageous addition to your tank. It aids in keeping the surrounding water clear and balanced for other aquatic life.