Aquarium enthusiasts often choose the Marisa snail, also called Marisa cornuarietis, as their freshwater snail. Acknowledged for its distinct look and serene disposition, this snail enhances the aesthetics and practicality of any aquatic arrangement.
Marisa snails are distinguished by their large, spiral-shaped shells, which can have a variety of hues, such as brown and yellow tones. By consuming algae and other detritus, these snails are more than just ornamental; they are essential to keeping an aquarium clean.
We’ll go over the features, maintenance needs, and advantages of keeping Marisa snails in your aquarium in this article. Whether you’re a novice or an expert aquarist, knowing about this amazing species will help you establish a healthy aquatic habitat.
| Characteristic | Description |
| Scientific Name | Marisa cornuarietis |
| Common Name | Marisa snail |
| Size | Up to 5 cm |
| Diet | Herbivorous, eats plants and algae |
| Temperature | 22-28°C |
| pH Level | 6.5-7.5 |
| Compatibility | Peaceful, can live with non-aggressive fish |
| Lifespan | 1-2 years |
- Habitat and habitat
- Description
- Size
- Behavior and compatibility
- Aquarium
- Water parameters
- Optimal conditions in the aquarium:
- Diet
- Sexual dimorphism
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Habitat and habitat
Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, Costa Rica, and Honduras are in South and Central America.
Typically, this species inhabits freshwater environments that are stagnant and move slowly. inhabits marshes, lakes, ponds, and irrigation systems. These snails prefer shallow water with lots of vegetation and stay near the surface. They are occasionally found in brackish waters and are known to withstand relatively high salt concentrations. Although they can live in these brackish waters, they are unable to procreate there.
According to published research (Hunt, 1961; Robin, 1971), Marisa cornuarietis can withstand salinities of up to roughly 30%.
For these snails to survive, the temperature cannot fall below 12° C for an extended length of time.
The snail has spread to other tropical areas as a result of being introduced into the aquarium trade and being used to regulate aquatic vegetation. In the late 1940s, Marisa Cornuarietis made her debut in Cuba, and in 1952, she moved to Puerto Rico. Florida (USA) saw the snail’s arrival in the 1970s, and Texas followed (1990s).
Description
Marisa cornuarietis shells have a spiral structure with roughly 3.5–4 turns. The spine of an adult snail is not raised above the body whorls, giving the shell an almost "flat" appearance. Young snails are spherical because of their raised spines. On adult shells, there are noticeable growth lines (transverse strips) close to the aperture. The operculum, a hard plate that blocks the opening of the shell, is incredibly small and retracts fully inside the shell.
They range widely in color from shades of dark yellow to dark brown with black spiral stripes. They have three to six dark stripes almost always. The snail exhibits certain mutations when it has no stripes at all. Certain species have a fully yellow shell.
The Mariza can have a white body with pigment spots and a pattern of yellowish, gray, and black colors.
A breathing tube is present, though it is not as long as the ampullaria.
Size
Large aquarium snails with a maximum height and width of 48–56 mm and 22 mm, respectively.
Behavior and compatibility
Like all Ampullaria, the Giant Coil’s activity increases with temperature; at 18°C, it is practically impossible to see any movement, and only at 24°C and higher can one see graceful movements. Temperature influences a snail’s level of activity as well as how quickly its life cycle (from conception to death) proceeds. The lifespan decreases from 4 years (at low temperatures) to less than 1 year at higher temperatures. The rate of reproduction rises as the temperature rises.
Regarding these snails’ compatibility with other aquarium occupants, there’s no need to be concerned. These are calm animals that live in harmony with the same tranquil fish.
The only large enemies of snails are thought to be certain species of botia and large cichlids.
Aquarium
The minimum dimensions are 30 cm by 20 liters.
With a maximum size of 5 cm, the Marisa snail is the biggest snail suitable for aquariums. Due to its large size and voracious eating habits, this mollusk is not recommended for aquariums containing live aquatic plants, as it frequently consumes all of the vegetation.
Both open and closed tanks can be used to house snails.
The Marisa snail, sometimes referred to as the giant ramshorn snail, is a well-liked freshwater species that is beneficial to aquarists’ collections due to its eye-catching appearance and ability to control algae and overgrown aquatic plants in aquariums.
Water parameters
It can survive and even proliferate in relatively brackish water (some estimates put it at up to 30% salinity) with up to 3% mineralization.
On the other hand, the snail shell will start to break down if the water is too soft and lacks carbonates. These snails should also not be placed in low-pH water.
Optimal conditions in the aquarium:
Temperature range: 24-27°C, with a maximum survival of 18-32°C; PH: 7.0-8.0; GH Hardness: 8.0.
It is advised to use minimal feeding and good filtration.
Diet
These snails are omnivores, meaning they consume nearly everything they come across, including live and dying plants, other residents’ eggs, and more. Voracious eaters.
Vegetables such as cucumbers, zucchini, cabbage, and catfish pills can be added to the diet.
Not appropriate for aquariums containing live plants.
Sexual dimorphism
The Marisa cornuarietis snail has both sexes and is not hermaphrodite. When trying to prevent these snails from reproducing or, on the other hand, breed them, this knowledge is crucial.
Male Marisa are light beige with barely perceptible brownish spots, while females have dark gray or chocolate-colored legs and bodies.
Aquarium enthusiasts often choose the Marisa snail because of its eye-catching colors and unique spiral shell. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, it also helps keep the algae in the tank under control.
Even though Marisa snails are generally easy to care for, it’s important to monitor their diet and the conditions in their tank to make sure they thrive. Because of their propensity to nibble on plants, they do better in tanks with artificial or hardy vegetation.
For those wishing to improve their aquatic habitat, Marisa snails are a great addition because they can add both beauty and balance to your aquarium.
