The most popular types of Achatina snails

Achatina snails are amazing animals that are becoming more and more common in household aquariums. These snails, which are prized for their enormous size and variety of appearances, can give your aquatic setup an unusual touch.

Type Description
Achatina fulica The most common species, known for its large size and adaptability. It has a light brown shell with darker stripes.
Achatina achatina Also called the Giant Tiger Land Snail, it has a strikingly large size and a dark, banded shell with tiger-like stripes.
Achatina reticulata Recognized by its distinctive net-like pattern on the shell. It is smaller than A. fulica but still quite popular in aquariums.
Achatina immaculata Features a smoother, less banded shell compared to other types. It is prized for its unique appearance and calm nature.

Achatina snails are an interesting and varied group of mollusks that are frequently housed in aquariums because of their distinctive look and low maintenance requirements. The most common varieties of Achatina snails are examined in this article, along with their unique characteristics, maintenance needs, and reasons for being such desirable pets. We’ll explore what makes each type unique and how they can improve your aquatic setup, from the vivid and striking Achatina achatina to the endearingly patterned Achatina fulica.

What does Achatina look like

The most common varieties of house snails have different sizes, looks, and behaviors. However, these are mainly big terrestrial mollusks that continue to grow throughout their lives. Their spiral conical shell has a maximum diameter of 10 centimeters. Achatina has occasionally grown 30 cm long shells. There are some instances where the shell is not twisted counterclockwise. The pet grows one or two new turns on its shell each year; in mature specimens, there are seven or nine turns.

The species, habitat, and type of food all affect the color of the shell, which is typically brown with traces of dark brown and yellow.

There are a lot of different kinds of domestic mollusks. Since they all appear to be exactly the same at first glance, many people are unable to identify the type of Achatina snail. The color and shape of the shell, the leg’s color, and, of course, pictures of every variety of Achatina make it simple to identify the species.

✅ Achatina fulica

East African coastal regions are home to this species.

Fulica is one of the more humble varieties of Achatina that grow well in domestic settings and are highly favored. These animals are good at reproducing, don’t need special housing, and can go for up to a week without food or water. They are regarded as agricultural plant pests in their native country.

On the outside, this snail appears to be a large, impressive snail weighing up to 450 g, with a conical spiral shell that can reach a size of 30 cm. The amazing body of the snail can fit an adult’s open palm. It has a consistent color and is both soft and structured. Generally speaking, the lower leg weighs less than the upper. Achatina spends its daytime hours either sleeping in a secluded spot or leading a sedentary lifestyle. It is most active at night. Fulicas are known for being gregarious and inquisitive.

  • Standard Fulica. The variegated brown shell of this snail can have different shades of brown (from light to dark). The inner surface of the mouth (collumela and apex) is white. The shell may have a pattern of thin dark stripes on a lighter background. The embossed body of the snail has even tone from beige to dark brown. Lower part of the leg is lighter.
  • Fulica hemillei (hamillei) differs from the standard one by a lighter yellowish tone of the shell, dark stripes and a pink crown (the last curl). The body can be light beige and brown shades.
  • Fulica albino body is distinguished by its beauty and elegance, as its mottled brown shell looks very impressive against the background of a snow-white body.
  • White Jade or "White jade" is one of the varieties of albino body. Its body has a matte milky-white color.
  • Fulica rodatzi Dunker has a light yellow shell without a pattern and a light body.

  • Fulica Royal (Fulica sinistrosa)
  • Fulica umbilicata
  • Fulica castanea
  • Fulica coloba
  • Fulica rufensis

✅ Reticulata (Achatina reticulata)

The rough, rounded mesh shell of Achatina reticulata is twisted into a ball.

The biggest, fastest-growing, and most active achatina are called reticulata. Individuals as small as 30 cm exist. They are inquisitive and voracious.

  • reticulata albino (albinos) – smaller, milky in color;
  • reticulata standart (with a standard tiger coloring of the shell);
  • reticulata dark head (dark-headed);
  • reticulata light head (with a light head).

✅ Immaculata (Achatina immaculata)

Immaculata has an amazing shell and is an unassuming creature. Like a watermelon, it has a uniformly striped light brown coloring. The back has a stripe, and the body is light.

✅ Achatina achatina

This opulent tiger snail features a dark gray leg and a prominently striped shell. Its stunning hue ranging from yellow to dark brown, along with its largest dimensions of up to 25 cm, draw in achatina enthusiasts. Its apex is yellow, and its columella has a delicate raspberry color.

  • Albino (albino);
  • roseolabiata depravata;
  • elegant monochrome togensis bayoli.

✅ Lemon Achatina (Achatina iredalei)

A tiny conical-shelled viviparous lemon snail, up to 8 cm in length. The head has a slightly darker tone, the apex is sandy, the columella is yellow, and the sole is light beige. has an albino variety.

✅ Albopicta (Achatina albopicta)

Typical in Tanzania and Kenya.

The initial turns of the shell of Albopicta are distinctly spotted, and subsequently the turns become darker. It ranges in tone from pale beige to brown. tiny, up to 17 cm, ribbed shell with a white or yellow columella.

✅ Glutinosa / Brown (Achatina glutinosa)

They are from Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi.

Brown Achatina is characterized by its neat, compact size, reaching up to 12 cm. It stands out for being gregarious, enjoying swimming, and having perfect owner recognition. Its stunning dark brown shell may contain a tiny striped or spotted pattern. Its massive, dark brown body.

✅ Craven (Achatina craveni)

They are mostly found in Zanzibar and other eastern parts of Africa in the wild.

The elegance and beauty of this small (7-8 cm) viviparous Achatina with a light beige striped shell stand out.

✅ Zanzibarica (Achatina zanzibarica)

The snail’s permanent home, Zanzibar, is where its name originates. Its conical shell is a pale yellow color, and it can grow up to 12 cm in size. The shell might have tiny spots and thin, dark brown stripes. This species’ albinos are pale yellow. Snails are inquiring and active.

In conclusion, aquarium enthusiasts will find a wide range of fascinating species of Achatina snails to be appealing, each with distinct qualities. These snails, which range in color from the vivid Achatina fulica to the impressive Giant African Land Snail, are not only aesthetically pleasing but also reasonably carefree. They are a great option for both beginning and seasoned aquarists due to their ease of maintenance and flexibility in various settings.

The ideal Achatina snail for your aquarium will depend on your personal preferences and the available setup. These snails can offer an exotic touch to your aquatic setup, whether it’s because of their striking size, lovely patterns, or intriguing behaviors. They can grow and become a fascinating and entertaining addition to your tank with the right care.

All things considered, Achatina snails are a flexible and interesting option for anyone wishing to improve their aquarium. They are a popular choice among hobbyists due to their diversity and ease of care, which guarantees their continued popularity as beloved aquarium pets.

Video on the topic

The rarest species of Achatina and everything about them.Informative video.

Types of Achatina snails / Characteristics, care features, reproduction, etc. / Part 1

WHAT TYPES OF SNAILS CAN BE KEPT TOGETHER ? HYBRIDS – WHAT ARE THESE ? (MARI MYSTIC NURSERY – St. Petersburg)

Types of Achatina snails

top 10 types of snails.

The most useful bait for snails!🐌💖#supersnails

What part of aquarium maintenance do you consider the most difficult?
Share to friends
Elena Grishina

Ecologist and aquarist with a special interest in creating balanced ecosystems in aquariums. Main focus — ecosystems that require minimal human intervention. I support a natural approach to aquarium care, where each element plays its role, helping to maintain harmony in a closed ecosystem. I promote sustainable aquarium keeping and respect for nature.

Rate author
InfoProekt24.com
Add a comment