*Acanthophyllum*, commonly known as "Devil"s Thorn," is an unusual and striking plant that has made its way into a lot of aquariums all over the world. It has become a favorite among both beginning and seasoned aquarists due to its eye-catching appearance and resilient nature. It is a captivating addition to any underwater landscape because of the dramatic contrast its dark, spiky leaves create with the vivid colors of fish and other aquatic plants.
This plant is adaptable to many aquarium setups because it can flourish in a range of water conditions. Because of its tolerance for a variety of lighting and temperature conditions, aquarists can easily incorporate it into various aquascaping styles. Furthermore, compared to aquatic plants that grow more quickly, "Devil’s Thorn" is known for its slow growth rate, which means it requires less frequent trimming and maintenance.
In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, the "Devil’s Thorn" is useful for keeping an aquarium in good condition.
- Description of the mollusk
- Maintenance and care
- Color variations and morphs
- Snail behavior
- Compatibility with other aquarium inhabitants
- Feeding
- Video on the topic
- AQUARIUM SNAIL DEVIL"S THORN. KEEPING AND BREEDING.
- Snail Devil"s Thorn Keeping in an aquarium, reproduction and compatibility
- Devil"s Thorn. Aquarium snails
Description of the mollusk
The mollusk’s shell is shaped like a cone and can grow up to 5–9 cm long and 2 cm wide. Upon close inspection, the shell’s length consists of approximately eight spirals. The body of the snail is marbled in shades of black or brown, though occasionally orange or yellow is mixed in. The shell can be brown or black. Round is the foot of the mollusk. Its hue is brighter and paler than the body’s. It has a six-year lifespan with proper care. It appears to be a rabbit snail at first glance, but it’s not.
Aponogeton, popularly known as Devil’s Thorn, is a distinctive and striking aquarium plant that enhances the beauty and diversity of any aquatic setting. This plant is highly prized for its eye-catching, prickly leaves, which give aquariums a realistic, untamed appearance. It is a well-liked option for both novice and seasoned aquarists due to its ease of maintenance and ability to flourish in a variety of water conditions. Maintaining its health and making sure it thrives in your tank require an understanding of its growth requirements, which include light, water temperature, and substrate.
Maintenance and care
- Suitable water temperature: 25-28 degrees.
- Acidity Ph: 7.0-8.0.
- Hardness: dH 5-20 °.
- Lifespan: about 5 years.
It is advised to add a small amount of salt to the water to help the snails feel comfortable. However, adding salt to the water is specifically prohibited if the aquarium contains other inhabitants besides catfish, such as corydoras or ancistrus. In fresh water, the devil’s thorn will also feel nice. Keeping a single snail requires an aquarium that holds at least 10 liters due to its size.
The mollusk is a dynamic creature that can burrow into the ground and frequently crawls along the aquarium’s walls, snagging stones and other objects. As a result, the aquarium’s soil shouldn’t be too thick. Filtration and aeration are necessary in the aquarium that the devil’s thorn inhabits. Since snails cannot tolerate high levels of nitrate, nitrite, or ammonia in the water, 25% of the aquarium’s water should be changed out once a week with fresh water.
Color variations and morphs
This species of snail occasionally exhibits various color morphs in pet stores. As an illustration, "Cappuccino" (Faunus ater "Cappuccino") has a gradient shell that is orange or white near the tail and dark brown at the head.
Some aquarists are seriously skeptical about this, in fact. The truth is that there is only one species in the genus Faunus, which is called Faunus ater. Studies and scientific publications indicate that Faunus ater does not exhibit color variations. Every one of them is dark. Thus, these snails are not Faunus ater; rather, they are something else.
It is always possible, though, that scientists are mistaken and that this color variation will eventually be added to this genus.
Snail behavior
Diggers, devil’s thorn snails are nocturnal creatures. They typically spend the majority of their time crawling on the ground and submerged in it. By doing this, they lower the possibility of hydrogen sulfide formation, which could be extremely harmful to your shrimp or fish.
Occasionally, they can be seen climbing the glass, but they eventually slip off or descend to the bottom on their own. They operate underground as well as on the surface everywhere. Small plants with weak roots can be uprooted by black devil snails.
Compatibility with other aquarium inhabitants
Any kind of peaceful fish, such as pecilias, mollies, corydoras, guppies, otocinclus, algae eaters, etc., will work as neighbors.
The black devil snail should not be placed near loaches, tetraodon, or predatory cichlids as these fish will either eat the snails or harm them while excavating.
Feeding
These snails are regarded as scavengers despite being omnivores. The remaining food that has dropped to the bottom of the aquarium will be consumed by the mollusk if there are fish present. They will gladly consume small algae growths, but because they are heavy and will spend most of their time on the ground, don’t expect them to clean the aquarium.
The snail can be fed once every three days. These can be blanched in boiling water beforehand and include cucumber slices, zucchini, and lettuce leaves. These additions are essential, or else ravenous snails will destroy the plants. Bottom fish tablets are also excellent. It is best to use calcium additives to reinforce the shell.
Feature | Description |
Plant Type | Aquatic plant |
Origin | Southeast Asia |
Size | Up to 40 cm tall |
Light Requirements | Moderate to high light |
Water Conditions | pH 6.5-7.5, temperature 22-28°C |
Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
Care Level | Medium |
Propagation | By division or cuttings |
Aponogeton Crispus, popularly known as "Devil’s Thorn," is a popular aquatic plant that gives any aquarium a distinctive look. It is a favorite of both novice and expert aquarists due to its wavy, bright green leaves and low maintenance needs. This plant is adaptable and works well in a range of aquarium types because it can flourish in a variety of water conditions.
Devil’s Thorn’s capacity to grow quickly and offer organic filtration in the tank is one of its main advantages. Its thick foliage contributes to a thriving and well-balanced ecosystem by giving small fish and shrimp the ideal hiding place. It also requires less complex fertilizers and little light, making it a low-maintenance option.
But in order to flourish, Devil’s Thorn needs care, just like any other plant. It must be regularly trimmed to keep it from taking over the aquarium. Additionally, maintaining a stable water environment and a substrate rich in nutrients will aid in its growth.